Impounded Car Insurance & Age Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Having your car impounded? Annoying. finding out you can't get the insurance to get it back because of your age? Even worse.

For some drivers, getting the right impounded car insurance is straightforward. For others, especially if you're young and seen as a risk or older and suddenly “too old” for certain policies, it can feel like hitting a brick wall.

So, if you're struggling to find cover; whether you're under 21, over 75, or somewhere in between; here's what you may need to know.

Why Does Age Matter for Impounded Car Insurance?

Insurance companies love statistics. And unfortunately, stats show that some age groups are more likely to have accidents or break policy rules. That makes insurers nervous; and when they're nervous, they start slapping on restrictions.

This applies to all types of car insurance, but impounded car insurance is even stricter. Since your vehicle is already flagged as “high risk,” insurers are even pickier about who they'll cover.

Who Gets Hit with Age Restrictions?

Every insurer has its own rules, but here's a rough idea of where you might run into problems:

• Under 21s: If you're under 21, you'll have a tough time investigating impounded car insurance. Many insurers won't touch younger drivers; especially if you've got penalty points or a history of driving without insurance.
• 21 to 25-year-olds: You've got a better shot at getting cover, but expect higher premiums or extra hoops to jump through (like needing a spotless driving record).
• Over 25s: You're in luck; this group usually finds it much easier to get insured, as long as there are no other red flags like serious driving offences.
• Over 75s: Some insurers set an age cap on their policies, not necessarily because of driving ability but simply because of how their cover rules are structured. It's a decision based on company policies rather than personal capability.

If you fall into an age group that insurers are less likely to cover, you may need to consider alternative options.

What Can You Do If Your Age Prevents You from Getting 30-Day Impound Insurance?

Hit a roadblock? Don't panic; there are ways around it:

• Try different insurers: Some specialise in covering drivers outside the usual age brackets. Shop around; you might find one that works for you.
• Get someone else to collect the car: If you can't get insured, a family member or friend who meets the criteria might be able to take out a policy and retrieve it for you.
• Check long-term insurance options: Some annual policies include impound release. It's worth checking before you give up completely.
• Ask the pound for advice: If you're really stuck, the impound pound might point you in the right direction.

Does the Reason for Impoundment Matter?

Short answer: yes.

If your car was taken because you were driving without insurance, some providers might want extra guarantees before they'll cover you.

Other common reasons; like unpaid fines, unsafe vehicle conditions, or certain driving convictions; can also make getting insurance harder. If you've got a serious driving conviction (like drink driving or dangerous driving), expect insurers to be even pickier.

What Paperwork Do You Need to Get Your Car Back?

It doesn't matter how old you are; without the right paperwork, your car's staying put. Show up without everything you probably need, and you'll be making a pointless trip. So, before you set off, double-check you've got all the required documents. Usually, this includes:

• A valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance that covers the impounded car
• The vehicle's V5C logbook (or proof of ownership)
• A valid MOT certificate (if required)
• The impound release notice from the police or local authority

Each pound has slightly different rules, so always check before heading down. Turning up without the right documents = wasted trip.

Can You Use Regular Car Insurance to Release an Impounded Vehicle?

Probably not.

Most standard insurance policies won't cover impounded vehicles. That's why specialist impound insurance exists; to meet the legal requirements for vehicle release.

That said, some insurers might let you add temporary impound cover to an existing policy. Worth checking before buying something new.

How Quickly Can You Get Cover?

If you meet the age requirements, impounded car insurance can often be sorted the same day; sometimes in minutes if you apply online.

But if you're in a higher-risk age group, it might take a bit of searching to find a provider willing to cover you.

Main Lessons:

Age restrictions can make life difficult, but they don't always mean game over.

Whether you're struggling to find cover as a young driver or worried about restrictions as an older motorist, there are still ways to get your car back. Evaluate all options, check your documents, and don't leave it too late.

Remember: Seven working days from the seizure notice date is the deadline to visit the police pound.