How long does it take to retrieve the vehicle after it is impounded in an accident?

[CatherineFitz]

Appraisal should be commissioned within three days from the end of the accident scene investigation. The duration of inspection and appraisal shall not exceed 20 days. If it exceeds this period, approval from the higher-level public security department is required, with a maximum extension of up to 60 days. Details are as follows: After the appraisal conclusion is issued, the traffic police will deliver the report to the involved parties within two days. Upon receiving the report, the parties have three days to decide whether to apply for a re-appraisal. If re-appraisal is needed: The traffic police will arrange for a re-appraisal, which is limited to one instance. If no re-appraisal is required: Once the appraisal conclusion becomes effective and confirmed, the traffic police will notify the parties to retrieve the vehicle within five days after confirmation. In cases where there is no need to extend the appraisal time or conduct a re-appraisal: Generally, the vehicle impoundment period is approximately 28 days. It is important to note that this refers only to working days, excluding weekends and statutory holidays.

[LaMicah]

Last year I was involved in a minor accident, and my car got impounded by traffic police. I had to wait almost seven days to get it back. Those days were the most annoying – commuting to work became a problem, and I had to squeeze into subways and buses every day. From my experience, the duration really varies: for minor accidents like scratches with no injuries, it usually takes one or two days; but for serious accidents involving casualties or damage to public property, the police investigation is thorough to determine liability, and it might drag on for two weeks or even longer. Also, the insurance company plays a key role – if their claim process is slow, the car could be held for extra days. My advice is to report the accident to the insurer immediately and push for quick processing, while regularly checking in with the traffic police station or calling for updates instead of just waiting. Ultimately, it all depends on cooperation and the nature of the accident – don’t expect it to be resolved too quickly, but being proactive can save a lot of hassle.

[NevaehRose]

As a new driver just starting out, I once accidentally rear-ended another car and had my license suspended for a full twelve days, with my heart in my throat every day. The biggest lesson for beginners is that it varies by situation: if it's a minor fender bender with no injuries, it can be resolved in a few days; but a major accident requiring detailed police investigation can drag on, causing serious anxiety. Insurance handling also plays a huge role—their assessment and claims processes vary widely. Since then, I've learned my lesson: I always keep emergency contacts handy when driving and push my insurer to act promptly after an accident. Remember, the process can be grueling, but taking quick action to follow up can shorten the wait and prevent further hassle.

[Pedro]

Having driven for many years, I've experienced several vehicle impoundments, and the retrieval time mainly depends on the severity of the accident and response speed. Minor accidents are usually resolved within three days, sometimes even in just one day. For major accidents involving injuries or fatalities, investigations can take three to four weeks to complete. Insurance claims need to keep up with the pace, otherwise they'll delay the entire process. The key is to actively cooperate with the police by providing evidence while pushing the insurance company to act quickly. Familiarizing yourself with local traffic regulations and procedures is helpful—don't just wait idly.