How to Get Your Impounded Car Back When You Haven't Paid Road Tax

So, your car has been lifted and taken to the impound because the road tax wasn't paid. Not ideal.

First things first; you're not alone. Plenty of people find themselves in this exact situation, and whilst it's stressful, it's not the end of the world. You can get your car back, but it's going to take a bit of effort (and, unfortunately, some money).

Let's go step by step so you can get this sorted ASAP.

Step 1: Pay Your Road Tax (Or Figure Out an Alternative)

Before you can drive your car out of the impound, the road tax needs to be paid. No way around it.

But what if you don't want to tax the car yet? Good news! You might still have other options (we'll get to those in a bit).

For now, if you plan on driving the car away yourself, go online and pay your road tax immediately.

Step 2: Bring the Right Paperwork

Showing up without the right documents? Big mistake. You don't want to be sent home empty-handed after dealing with the stress of getting to the impound lot.

Here's what you probably need:

• Valid insurance (and no, not all policies will cover an impounded car; more on that in a second).
• Proof of ownership (V5C logbook or any official proof that the car is actually yours).
• MOT certificate or proof of a pre-booked MOT appointment if the MOT has expired.

Got everything? Great. Now, onto the part that hurts the most; paying the fees.

Step 3: Pay the Release & Storage Fees

Now comes the painful part. Here's what you're looking at:

• £192 release fee (yes, this went up from £150 as of April 6, 2023).
• £26 per day in storage fees (starting from midday the day after your car was seized).

Translation? The longer you wait, the more it's going to cost you.

Step 4: Get the Right Insurance

Think you can just call up your usual insurer and add a quick policy? Think again. Most standard car insurance policies DO NOT cover impounded vehicles.

This is where specialist impound insurance comes in. These policies are specifically designed for this situation and come with a few major perks:

• Quick cover – Many providers can sort this out in minutes.
• No legal headaches – These policies are designed to meet impound release requirements, so you won't get rejected.
• Expert advice – Unlike standard insurers (who might not even know what an impound release is), these specialists know exactly what you may need.

If you're in a rush (and let's be honest, you probably are), this is your best bet.

What If Getting Insurance Isn't an Option?

If impound insurance is proving impossible to get; or you just don't want to tax the car yet; you still have options.

• Hire a Vehicle Recovery Service – Instead of driving the car out, you can pay a recovery company to tow it to a safe location. No insurance, no road tax, just a tow truck and a fee.
• Declare a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) – If you're not planning to use the car anytime soon, you can declare it off-road and arrange for it to be transported to private property. (Warning: You'll still need to pay a surety fee to get it released).

Comparing Costs – What's Your Best Move?

Now that you know your options, let's break down which one makes the most sense for you.

• Option 1: Pay Road Tax & Get Insurance
  Best for: People who want to drive their car as soon as it's released.
  Downside? It's the most expensive option upfront.
• Option 2: Pay the Surety Fee
  Best for: Those who don't want to tax the car immediately.
  Catch? You'll need to tax it within 15 days if you want your surety fee refunded.
• Option 3: Use a Vehicle Recovery Service
  Best for: Anyone who doesn't plan to drive the car anytime soon.
  Drawback? Tow fees vary based on distance and provider, so shop around.

Nobody wants to pay impound fees, but choosing the right option can save you some serious cash.

Parting Thoughts:

Getting your car back after it's been impounded for unpaid road tax isn't impossible, but you could need to act fast.

Whether you decide to:

• Pay the road tax and drive it away,
• Use a recovery service, or
• Declare it off-road and sort it later,

Make sure you choose the option that makes the most sense for your situation.

Need help getting impound insurance? Ring the number below; they may well be able to help you find the best option before your storage fees skyrocket.

⚠ Final Reminder: You have SEVEN working days from the date on your seizure notice to collect your vehicle. Wait too long? You could lose it permanently.