FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report: GPS Tracking Reduces Impound Costs

In the year since impound fees cost the used car industry $1.1 billion, new data released by Spireon shows maturing technology has made a positive impact.

October 11, 2019
Report: GPS Tracking Reduces Impound Costs

New data shows promising trends for dealers concerned about impound fees.

Photo by Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons

2 min to read


IRVINE, Calif. — Vehicle intelligence provider Spireon has reported that in 2019, significantly more used vehicles have been recovered expeditiously from impound lots than in 2018. Analysts say faster recovery time has resulted in an estimated average savings of $107 per vehicle impounded.

Spireon data indicates that in 2019, 27.8% more vehicles were recovered from impound lots in less than a day. Meanwhile, vehicles accruing mounting fees in excess of one week to more than a month has improved by 27% since its 2018 findings.

Ad Loading...

Read: Used-Vehicle Prices Up 2% From 2018

“Last year’s data was pulled during a period when impound lot recovery technology powered by GPS was still in its early stages and did not yet have a strong foothold among dealers,” said Director of Product Management Brian Deeley Sr. “However, since then, through gradual adoption and education, we are seeing the fruits of our labor pay off in the form of significant savings for both independent and BHPH dealers.”

Spireon’s latest findings, recently published in the latest annual NIADA Used Car Industry Report, are the second iteration of data analysis gathered from dealer surveys and Spireon’s NSpire IoT platform data tracked from nearly 4 million GPS-equipped vehicles.

In its inaugural 2018 report, the company identified the critical need for impounded vehicles to be recovered as early as possible before fees rise to disproportionate levels. In 2018, there were an estimated 76,000 impounds per day nationwide, nearly half of which stayed on an impound lot for four days or more — 22% at 15 days or more. In all, dealers, lenders, and consumers were left responsible for an astonishing $3.04 million in impound fees each day, or $1.1 billion per year.

To download the full report, click here.

Ad Loading...

More Digital

Laptop computer on a desk with a notepad and pen next to it and a whiteboard in the background
Digital•by Rick McCormick•October 15, 2026

AI: Facilitator, Not Fixer, in F&I

The dealerships that thrive in the years ahead will be those that embrace technology while continuing to invest in the people who make customer interactions count.

Read More →
Person at laptop with green-colored code on the screen
Digital•by Hannah Mitchell•October 5, 2026

Simple But Effective Hacking Surges

Data from the past year at U.S. auto dealerships finds that email and identity phishing are growing threat sources that can dispense with malware by exploiting trust.

Read More →
Mechanic's hand working in car engine
Digital•September 10, 2026

The Future of Car Dealerships

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the service-drive experience and will help retailers stay competitive.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
newspaper advertisement circled in pink, Turn Listings into Leads, F&I and Showroom
Digital•by Lauren Lawrence•August 5, 2026

Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings

As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.

Read More →
Photo of two businessmen shaking hands next to a white car in a showroom
Digital•by Hannah Mitchell•August 3, 2026

Real Intelligence

AI, though it presents many opportunities for productivity, efficiency and more, isn’t a one-for-one stand-in for people. It can augment human capital but not replace it altogether.

Read More →
Photo of man's hand on laptop keyboard on a desk
Digital•by Staff•June 16, 2026

Zurich Launches Advisor IQ for F&I Manager Coaching

The new platform uses real transaction data and artificial intelligence-driven insights to help car dealerships improve consistency and performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Adapting to Digital For a convenient and trustworthy experience, F&I and Showroom
Digital•June 1, 2026

F&I in the Digital Age

Digital retailing has not made the F&I manager obsolete. If anything, it has revealed how valuable the role can become when technology is used correctly.

Read More →
Hands holding phone over graphic.
Digital•by Lauren Lawrence•May 27, 2026

Need for Speed: EV Apps Lack Consistency

Fifty-five percent of surveyed EV owners said their mobile applications had a major or moderate impact on their purchasing decisions, but connectivity issues remain a problem.

Read More →
Light 'trail' to illustrate the idea of a digital trail
Digital•by Gil Van Over•May 18, 2026

Four Keys to Your Digital Trail Defense

Federal regulators are cracking down on hidden fees. This protective measure could mean the difference between winning and losing a lawsuit or surviving a duel with the Dark Side.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hyundai Motor Group Tech Talent Forum 2026 September 17-18 San Jose, California. background of starry night
Digital•by Lauren Lawrence•April 20, 2026

Hyundai Hosts Tech Talent Forum

Technology leaders from Hyundai Motor Group will have open discussions at the inaugural HMG Tech Talent Forum on topics ranging from autonomous driving to 'smart' manufacturing.

Read More →