In the case of unlawful vehicle impoundment, who covers the towing and storage fees?

In cases of unlawful vehicle impoundment, the correct party responsible for covering the towing and storage fees is the police department. When a vehicle is towed without legal justification, it signifies that the appropriate protocols were not followed, making the police department liable for any resulting costs. This is rooted in the principle that individuals should not be financially penalized for actions taken by law enforcement that are outside the bounds of legality. In such situations, the police department has an obligation to rectify the mistake by covering the expenses incurred by the vehicle owner due to the unlawful impoundment.

While the vehicle owner may initially bear the burden of these costs, the legal framework usually provides for reimbursement by the police department once the unlawful nature of the impoundment is established. Insurance companies and local governments do not typically take on this responsibility, as towing and storage fees in such circumstances are directly linked to police actions rather than insurance policies or municipal obligations.