Kirkland, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Applies to city/police-requested tows only
- Insurance minimum
- $1M combined single limit per vehicle
- Additional coverage
- $50,000 on-hook, $50,000 garage keeper's
- Service requirement
- 24-hour/365-day staffed service
- Yard location
- Within 15 miles of city limits
- Appeal window
- 5 days to city manager
Summary
To join Kirkland's police-dispatched towing list, a wrecker company must register with the chief of police, carry $1 million in liability coverage plus on-hook and garage keeper's insurance, provide 24-hour service, and keep its storage yard within 15 miles of the city, under KMC Chapter 7.68; the chief can suspend or revoke registration for noncompliance.
(a) The owner shall hold current and valid permits from the state of Washington as may be required for the operation both of the towing business and the automobile storage yard. ... (d) The owner shall provide continuous twenty-four-hour-per-day prompt service each day of the year and there shall be an attendant on duty at all times for the purpose of receiving calls and receiving and releasing stored vehicles. ... (f) The owner shall maintain insurance coverage with minimum limits of not less than one million dollars per vehicle combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage liability per occurrence; on hook coverage of not less than fifty thousand dollars; and fifty thousand dollars of garage keeper's coverage for vehicles in the custody of the operator until they are redeemed or sold. ... (h) The owner's storage yard shall be located in an appropriately zoned area within fifteen miles of the city limits.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010). 030). 040 imposes standard regulations: valid state towing and storage-yard permits, properly licensed truck operators, competent staff and safe equipment, 24-hour service with an attendant always on duty, a secured storage yard with fencing and property protection, minimum insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit per vehicle plus $50,000 on-hook and $50,000 garage keeper's coverage naming the city as additional insured, a storage yard within fifteen miles of the city limits, and an indemnification agreement approved by the city attorney. 045); any conflict is resolved in favor of state rules. 050(a)). 040(g)).
Violations & Fines
The chief of police may suspend or revoke an operator's spot on the towing list for failing to meet Chapter 7.68's requirements, repeatedly failing to timely respond to impound calls, or failing to perform professionally and competently (KMC 7.68.050(b)). A suspended or revoked operator may appeal in writing to the city manager and the chief of police within five days of the order (7.68.050(c)). The chief may also issue additional written rules for towing operators consistent with the chapter (7.68.060).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every tow company operating in Kirkland need city registration?
How much insurance must a registered Kirkland tow operator carry?
Can Kirkland suspend a tow company's registration?
Where can a Kirkland-registered tow operator store impounded vehicles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
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How other cities in King County handle towing companies.