Impounded Car Insurance: Can You Save Money?

Your vehicle has been seized. That's the last thing you probably needed. As if that wasn't enough of a headache, now you've realised you probably need specialist insurance just to get it back. And let's be honest; if you weren't expecting this extra cost, you're probably wondering if there's a way to save some cash.

Is there such a thing as discounts on impounded car insurance? Or are you just stuck paying whatever price insurers throw at you? Let's break it down.

Can You Actually Get Discounts on Impounded Car Insurance?

Short answer? Not really.

Unlike regular car insurance; where you can get lower rates for safe driving, no claims, or installing a fancy security system; impounded car insurance works a little differently.

Since this type of policy is often needed because of a problem (like driving without valid cover), insurers see it as a higher risk. And when insurers see risk? Discounts tend to disappear.

That said, there are still ways to lower the cost depending on your situation.

What Affects the Price?

Even if direct discounts are rare, some factors can make your policy cheaper or more expensive:

• Your Age: If you're under 25, expect higher premiums. Over 25? You might get a better deal.
• Your Driving Record: If your record is mostly clean (apart from the impound situation), insurers might not charge you as much as they would for someone with multiple offences.
• Your Insurance History: If you've kept continuous insurance without big gaps, insurers might see you as less of a risk.
• Your Car: Got a high-performance or luxury vehicle? You'll probably pay more. Insuring a standard car? That's usually cheaper.
• Policy Length: Short-term impound cover is common, but if you may need long-term insurance, an annual policy that includes impound release might save you money over time.

How to Cut Costs Without Discounts

Even if you can't score a direct discount, there are still ways to keep costs down when getting impounded car insurance:

• Compare Different Insurers: Not all insurance companies charge the same rates; so shop around before you commit.
• Consider a Long-Term Policy: If you could need ongoing insurance anyway, an annual policy that covers impound release could be cheaper than a short-term option.
• See If Someone Else Can Insure It: Can't get insured yourself? A friend or family member who meets the criteria might be able to take out a policy instead.
• Act Fast to Avoid Storage Fees: Every day your car sits in the pound, storage charges pile up; so sort the insurance ASAP to avoid extra costs.

What If You Can't Find a Suitable Policy?

Struggling to find an insurer willing to cover you? Don't panic; there may still be other options:

• Check for Special Circumstances: If your car was impounded because of an admin error or a non-insurance-related issue, ask the pound if there's an alternative solution.
• Use a Recovery Truck: Some impound yards allow vehicles to be collected by a recovery company instead of needing insurance to drive them away.

Wrapping Up the Details:; Act Fast & Stay Informed

Impounded car insurance isn't cheap, and big discounts are rare. But by understanding what affects the cost, comparing policies, and acting quickly, you can avoid overpaying and reduce extra fees.

Need to sort out impound insurance? Call the number below for advice and quotes before storage charges add up.

Legal Reminder: You have seven working days from the seizure notice to visit the police pound. Miss that deadline, and things get even more complicated.