St. Paul Impound Lot Retrieval & Towing Dispute Guide

Before Anything Else

Your Crashed Car Is Evidence — Photograph It First

A crashed vehicle tells the story of the collision: crush patterns, airbag deployment, seat positions, paint transfer, broken glass. Once it's repaired, released to an insurer, or sold for salvage, that story is gone. Before you sign anything or let anyone touch the car, photograph it from every side, inside and out, in good light.

Modern vehicles also carry electronic data — speed, braking, and more — that can decide a disputed car crash claim. The firm's vehicle data preservation tool helps you put the right parties on notice before that data is lost.

The Lot

Where It Is and When It's Open

The Saint Paul Police Department impound lot is at 830 Barge Channel Road in Saint Paul. Posted hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the lot's line is 651-266-5642 — call it if you're not sure your car is there.

During snow-emergency season, October 15 through April 15, snow-tow vehicles go to a separate lot at 1129 Cathlin Street. If you can't find your car, call before you drive out.

The Bill

What It Costs

As posted by the city in mid-2026: a standard tow runs $225.24, storage adds $15 for each additional day starting at midnight, and snow-emergency tows run $246 or more. Unpaid parking tickets get added to the total. Payment is in person, cash or credit.

Two practical points. The storage clock turns over at midnight, so waiting costs real money. And fees are set by the city and change — verify current amounts at stpaul.gov before you go.

At the Window

What You Need to Get the Car Out

• Valid photo ID — driver's license, permit, passport, military ID, or consulate ID
• Proof of ownership — title, bill of sale, or lease agreement
• Current insurance on the impounded vehicle — card or binder
• Picking up for someone else? A notarized authorization letter plus a copy of the owner's photo ID, or power of attorney

If Money Is the Problem

Can't Pay the Fees Right Now?

You still have options for what's inside the car. The city's posted process lets owners retrieve personal belongings by paying the fees, by signing the vehicle over to their insurance company, or by documenting financial hardship through government-assistance paperwork. There's also a surrender route — signing a junked vehicle over to the city instead of paying impound fees, though citations still follow you. Ask at the window about current options.

If another driver caused the crash that put your car here, the tow and storage bill belongs in your property-damage claim. Don't let it quietly become your loss.