Bent County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Bent County, Colorado
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Bent County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Bent County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing daily in Bent County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Find Impound Lots in Bent County
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
Bent County relies on a rotation list of private towing operators based in neighboring counties, meaning your impounded vehicle is likely stored outside the county lines. This also means initial tow bills can exceed $300-$400 before storage fees even begin to accrue.
Where is My Car?
Because Bent County itself has limited towing services, your vehicle is likely held at one of the following locations outside of Bent County:
- Hook Towing, LLC: Lamar, CO.
- Jeff Woller Auto Parts & Towing: Springfield, CO.
- Zim's Towing: Pueblo, CO.
Contact the Bent County Sheriff’s Office (719-456-1363) to confirm where your vehicle was towed and obtain the necessary release paperwork. Specifically ask: "Has the Release Order been faxed to the tow company?" Do not proceed to the lot without this confirmation.
Impound Fees and Payment
Be prepared for potentially rigid payment policies. Rural tow operators often operate on thin margins, making "Cash Only" policies common. Even if credit cards are accepted, the system may be "down" due to poor cellular service in the remote impound yards.
Daily storage fees typically range from $30-$50. Given the distances involved and the Sheriff’s Office location, be aware that daily storage fees average $40/day. The total average retrieval cost is approximately $470.
If your arrest occurs on a Friday night and the Sheriff’s admin window is closed or the release cannot be processed until Monday, you’re automatically liable for three days of storage, adding approximately $120 to your bill.
Required Documents for Release
To retrieve your vehicle, you’ll generally need the following:
- Valid Government Photo ID
- Proof of Ownership (Title or current Registration)
- Proof of Valid Insurance
- A licensed driver (if your license is suspended)
Keep in mind that if your insurance has lapsed, the vehicle cannot be driven and will require a second tow, effectively doubling your logistics costs.
Accessing Personal Property
Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulations protect your right to access certain “life-essential” items from your vehicle without paying the tow bill. This includes:
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Child restraint systems (car seats)
- Government-issued identification
- Credit cards/cash (if needed to pay the tow)
If you cannot afford the tow, prioritize retrieving these items. Tow operators may attempt to charge a "gate fee" or hourly labor fee for access, but under PUC rules for non-consensual law enforcement tows, access to these specific items is protected.
Getting the Release Order
Vehicles are placed under a "Police Hold" requiring administrative release from the Bent County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). This is located at 11560 Road FF.75, Las Animas, CO 81054.
Sources
Colorado Transportation Code
Bent County Towing Regulations
Colorado Department of Licensing and Regulation
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