How to avoid paying tow fees

Move fast

Storage is the fee that grows. At the city lot it is $20 a day for a car under 6,000 pounds, and a private lot may charge up to $48.19 per 24 hours. A car left for two weeks can cost more in storage than in towing.

Use what you already pay for

Car insurance with roadside coverage, some credit cards and many new-car warranties cover a tow you call for. Call them first, and if they're slow, ask whether they will pay you back for a tow you arrange.

Check whether you owe anything

• Stolen car. If your car was reported stolen and the city towed it, the Denver impound lot charges no fees.
• Broken rules. A private-lot tow without the property owner's authorization, without the required photos, or for expired tags without a police order breaks state law. A company that broke the rules can't keep the fees.
• Padded bills. Storage for days the car wasn't there, or storage beyond the first 24 hours before the notice went out, isn't allowed.

Get your things back for less

If you need what's inside (medicine, a laptop, a child seat) but can't pay the whole bill yet, you can get the car or its contents for the lesser of 15% of the fees owed or $60 within 30 days of the notice.

Complain

File with the Colorado PUC. Keep your photos and the receipt. A photo of the sign where you parked helps too.