Can I Get Insurance If My Impounded Vehicle Is Modified?

So, your modified car has been impounded. Maybe you were pulled over for an illegal exhaust, excessive window tints, or a ride height that was a little too ambitious. Or maybe you were just unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when the police decided to check your documents. Either way, your car is now sitting in the pound, and you might need to get it out.

But here’s the catch; you can’t just turn up to the pound and drive it away. You need a special kind of insurance. And when your car is modified, things get even more complicated.

So, can you get impounded car insurance if your vehicle is modified? Yes; but it’s not as straightforward as you’d hope. Let’s go through what you probably need to know and how to get your car back before the storage fees drain your wallet.

Why Does Having a Modified Car Make Insurance Difficult?

Insurance companies don’t like surprises. And for many of them, modified cars fall firmly into the "not worth the risk" category.

From an insurer’s point of view, modifications can mean:

• Higher risk of accidents – Some modifications increase speed or alter handling.
• More attractive to thieves – A flashy modified car can be a bigger target for criminals.
• Increased repair costs – Custom parts aren’t always cheap or easy to replace.
• Undeclared changes – If you haven’t informed your previous insurer about modifications, they might see it as non-disclosure (which is a big no-no).

And when your modified car is already impounded, insurers will be even warier. They see it as a sign that something has gone wrong; whether it’s unpaid tax, a lack of insurance, or a vehicle modification that didn’t meet legal standards.

What Kind of Modifications Make Getting Insurance Harder?

Not all modifications are a red flag for insurers, but some definitely make it harder to find cover. Here are a few that might cause problems:

• Excessively lowered or raised suspension – If it affects road safety, insurers won’t want to touch it.
• Performance engine upgrades – Turbochargers and engine remaps can send premiums through the roof.
• Illegal tints – If your windows don’t meet legal visibility standards, your car could be deemed unroadworthy.
• Loud exhausts – If your car sounds like a jet taking off, expect issues.
• Non-standard alloys and body kits – Some insurers worry about their impact on safety and security.

If your car was impounded because of a modification, you may need to revert it to a legal state before you can drive it away.

Can You Get Impounded Car Insurance for a Modified Car?

Yes, but not from a standard insurer.

Most mainstream insurance companies won’t cover impounded vehicles at all, and even fewer will insure one with modifications. That means you’ll need to look for a specialist insurer who deals with both impounded and modified cars.

These insurers understand that modified car owners aren’t necessarily reckless drivers; they just need policies that accommodate their vehicle’s individual specifications.

How to Get Impounded Car Insurance for a Modified Vehicle

If you’re struggling to find insurance, follow these steps to improve your chances:

1. Look for a Specialist Insurer

Forget about calling the big-name insurance providers; they’re unlikely to help you. Instead, search for insurers who specialise in impounded vehicles and modified cars.

These companies exist for high-risk cases and are more likely to offer you cover (though it won’t be cheap).

2. Be Honest About Your Modifications

Don’t try to hide any modifications to get a cheaper quote; it will backfire. Insurers will ask about changes to your vehicle, and if they find out later that you weren’t truthful, they could:

• Cancel your policy on the spot.
• Refuse to pay out if you may need to make a claim.
• Report the issue to other insurers, making future cover harder to get.

Being upfront ensures you get the right policy without risking cancellation later.

3. Make Sure the Policy Covers Impound Release

Not all modified car insurance will be valid for getting your vehicle out of the pound. To be accepted at the police pound, your policy must:

• Be valid for at least 30 days (no short-term policies).
• Include at least third-party cover (this is the legal minimum).
• Explicitly state that it covers impounded vehicle release.

If the policy doesn’t meet these criteria, the pound will refuse to release your car, leaving you with rising storage fees and no way to get your vehicle back.

4. Gather Your Paperwork Before Heading to the Pound

Before you go to collect your car, make sure you have:

• Proof of insurance – A policy document that explicitly states it covers impounded cars.
• Your driving licence – Or another valid photo ID.
• The impound notice – Given to you when the car was seized.
• Proof of ownership (V5C logbook) – If your name isn’t on it, retrieving your car will be much harder.

Forget any of these, and you’ll have to make another trip; whilst storage fees keep stacking up.

How Much Will It Cost?

Let’s be honest; this won’t be cheap.

Modified car insurance is already pricier than standard policies. Add impound release insurance on top, and you’re looking at a hefty bill.

Here’s a rough estimate of what you might pay:

• £300–£1,000 for impounded car insurance – Depending on modifications and driving history.
• £192+ release fee – The standard charge to get your car out of the pound.
• £26 per day in storage fees – The longer you wait, the more you’ll owe.

If your car was impounded because of illegal modifications, you might also have to pay for repairs or alterations before the pound allows you to drive it away.

Thoughts on the Topic:: Get Insurance Fast or Risk Losing Your Car

If your modified car has been impounded, you probably need to act fast before storage fees spiral out of control.

• Find a specialist insurer – Standard providers won’t help.
• Be honest about modifications – Hiding them could cause serious issues later.
• Make sure the policy meets impound requirements – Not all insurance will be accepted.
• Act quickly – Every extra day in the pound means more storage fees to pay.

Need fast, reliable impounded car insurance for a modified vehicle? Click the button below for a quote or ring the number below for expert advice. The sooner you act, the less it will cost you!