Does a Criminal Record Make It Harder to Get Impounded Car Insurance?

Let's be honest; having a criminal record can be a pain. It can mess with your job hunt, make getting a loan a nightmare, and, yes, even complicate something as basic as car insurance. If your car has been put in a secure impound location, you may need valid insurance before you can even think about getting it back.

But will your record make that harder?

Short answer: maybe.

Longer answer? It depends. Some insurers don't mind as long as you're not a high-risk driver. Others? They'll avoid you like last night's dodgy takeaway.

How Do Insurers See Criminal Convictions?

Insurance companies? They're all about risk. The riskier they think you are, the more they'll charge; or they'll just say, “No thanks.” And if you've got certain convictions, especially driving-related ones, they'll be extra picky.

So, what lands you in the “high-risk” club?

• Driving Offences – Been caught driving without insurance? Dangerous driving? Had one too many before getting behind the wheel? Yes… insurers aren't big fans.
• Non-Motoring Convictions – Even if your record has nothing to do with driving, some insurers will still see things like fraud or theft as red flags.
• Recent Convictions – If your offence is fresh, insurers might be more hesitant. But if it's years old? Some will cut you a little slack.

Can You Still Get Insurance?

Good news; you can still probably get insured. Bad news? It won't always be easy.

Some insurers specialise in covering drivers with past convictions. But be prepared for higher premiums, extra paperwork, and a few hoops to jump through.

Oh, and one golden rule: never lie about your conviction. It might seem like a smart move, but trust me, it's not. If they find out (which they will), they'll cancel your policy on the spot. And that's the last thing you could need when trying to get your car back.

What If You're Struggling to Get Insurance?

If every insurer you call keeps giving you the cold shoulder, don't panic. You've still got a few options:

• Named Driver Option – Know someone with valid insurance? If their policy covers impound release, they might be able to collect the car for you.
• Transferring Ownership – If you really can't get insured, transferring ownership to someone who can might be your best bet. Just make sure to update the V5C logbook with the DVLA.
• Professional Recovery – If all else fails, pay a recovery service to tow it home. No insurance needed; just a truck and a fee.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Even if you manage to sort out insurance, that's not the only hurdle between you and your car. Before you drive off, make sure:

• Your road tax is up to date – If it's expired, you'll need to renew it first.
• You've got a valid MOT – No MOT? The only place you're legally allowed to drive is to a pre-booked MOT test. No pit stops, no quick detours.

And before you rush to the impound lot, call ahead. There's nothing worse than turning up thinking you're good to go, only to be sent packing because you forgot a pretty much a must document.

What Happens If You Don't Act Fast?

Dragging your feet? Bad idea. Here's why:

• Storage fees pile up – Every day your car sits in the pound, you're paying for it. And it ain't cheap.
• Your car could be auctioned or scrapped – Wait too long, and your car could be sold off or crushed. Once it's gone, it's gone.
• Legal headaches – If your car was seized because of an offence, leaving it there too long could make things even more complicated.

Bottom line? Act fast. The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it gets.

What's Next?

If you probably need impounded car insurance and have a criminal record, don't sit around hoping for a miracle. The clock's ticking, and every day you wait means more fees; and a bigger risk of losing your car for good.

Start looking at your options now. There are insurers out there who can help; you just need to find them.

Need a quote? Ring the number below or click below, and they may well be able to help you sort it out.

⚠ Important Reminder: You've got seven working days from the date on your seizure notice to collect your car. Miss that deadline, and it could be gone for good. Don't risk it; get it sorted today!