Where Can You Find Insurance for an Impounded Car?

Finding out your car is in the pound is bad enough. But then comes the realisation that your regular insurance probably won't be worth much in this situation - and now you're stuck figuring out where to get the right cover. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.

So, where do you even start? Can you tweak your current policy, or do you probably need something entirely different? Let's clear up the confusion.

Yes There Are Specialists - Standard Insurance Probably Won't Work

Here's the deal: When your car gets impounded, one of the non-negotiable requirements for getting it back is valid insurance. Sounds simple, would you agree? Not quite.

Most standard car insurance policies don't include impound cover. That means even if you're fully insured under normal circumstances, your policy might be useless when it comes to getting your car out of the pound.

Some insurers allow existing customers to add impound cover as an extra, but not all of them do. If your insurer doesn't offer this option, you'll need specialist impound insurance - a policy specifically designed for situations like this.

What's Different About Impound Insurance?

Unlike regular car insurance, impound cover is built to meet the strict legal requirements for releasing a seized vehicle. It's not about long-term protection - it's about getting your car out, legally and quickly.

Here's what makes impound insurance different:

• It provides the minimum cover needed for vehicle release.
• Many policies are short-term - often just 30 days.
• It complies with police or local authority regulations.

Sounds straightforward? Not always. Not everyone qualifies, and some drivers might struggle to find an insurer willing to cover them.

Who Might Struggle to Get Cover?

Insurance companies love rules, and impound insurance is no exception. Some drivers might have a harder time hunting around for cover, including:

• Young drivers – Many policies require you to be at least 21 or even 25.
• Anyone with past insurance issues – If you've had a policy cancelled or voided, some insurers won't take the risk.
• Drivers with serious convictions – Drink driving, reckless driving, or multiple offences? Expect insurers to be wary.
• Vehicles without valid MOT or tax – If your car doesn't meet basic legal requirements, insurance won't help - you'll need to sort that first.

If you fall into one of these categories, don't panic just yet - there are still other ways to get your car back.

What If You Can't Get Impound Insurance?

If impound insurance isn't an option, you're not completely out of luck. There are alternative ways to retrieve your vehicle, depending on your situation.

• Get a Full Licence Holder to Help – If you can't get cover, a friend or family member with a valid policy might be able to insure and collect the vehicle for you. Just be aware - some insurers might require them to be the registered owner before they can take out a policy.
• Use a Recovery Truck – Some impound yards allow you to tow the vehicle away instead of driving it. This skips the need for impound insurance altogether.
• Look Into Long-Term Cover – Some annual policies include impound release, but this isn't a guarantee. If you already have a policy, check with your insurer.

Act Fast - The Clock is Ticking

Whatever route you take, don't sit on it too long.

Every day your car sits in the pound, storage fees pile up. Leave it too long, and authorities might auction it off or scrap it entirely.

Sorting out insurance (or an alternative) as quickly as possible could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Conclusion in Brief: - Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Getting impound insurance isn't always straightforward, and not everyone could qualify. If you can't get cover, consider alternative options like a recovery truck or a qualified driver.

Need help tracking down the right policy? Call the number below for expert advice and a quote.

Legal Reminder: You must visit the police pound within seven working days of receiving the seizure notice. Miss this deadline, and things could get much worse.