Getting Your Car Out of the Pound: What You Need to Know

Your vehicle is now in the local impound lot. Oh, that's just insult to injury, isn't it? No problem, just turn up at the pound, pay a small fee and collect it. Oh, if only it were that easy. But no way; there's a bit more red tape involved. Before you can take your car home, you could need one vital thing: insurance. And not just any policy; there are rules, and if you don't meet them, your car stays put.

Why a One-Day Insurance Policy Won't Work

A lot of people assume they can grab a quick one-day insurance policy, show proof, and be on their way. Sounds logical, would you agree? But the authorities don't see it that way.

They require a minimum of 30 days of insurance cover before they'll release your vehicle. Why? Because they don't want people getting just enough cover to drive their car home, only to cancel it the next day. It's about keeping uninsured cars off the road; not just getting them out of the pound.

30-Day Impound Insurance: Why You Might Need It

Most short-term insurance policies don't meet the legal requirements for impound release. That's where 30-day impound insurance comes in. These policies are specifically designed to provide the necessary third-party cover for a full month. Without it, getting your car back could be tricky.

What If You Can't Get 30-Day Insurance?

If a 30-day policy isn't an option, don't panic; you might still have ways to get your car out:

• Use a Recovery Service: Some companies can tow your vehicle to a different location for you. No need for immediate insurance, just a tow truck and a fee.
• Transfer Ownership: If you can't get insured, but a friend or family member can, you might be able to transfer the registration to them. They'd then be able to insure the car and arrange for its release. Just make sure you follow all the legal steps.

Don't Wait; Storage Fees Add Up Fast

Here's the moment of truth: every day your car sits in the pound, you're racking up storage fees. Leave it too long, and the cost could spiral into something you weren't prepared for. In some cases, if a car is left unclaimed for too long, it may even be disposed of entirely.

Whether you're sorting out insurance or arranging for the car to be collected another way, acting quickly could save you a serious headache (and a decent chunk of money).

Still Unsure?

Impound insurance requirements can be confusing, but help is available. For quotes and further details, ring the phone number below.

Important: You have seven working days to visit the police pound and get this sorted. Leave it too long, and things could get even more complicated.