Can I Retrieve an Impounded Car That I Don’t Intend to Drive?

So, your car has been impounded. Maybe it was owing to an insurance lapse, unpaid fines, or some other unfortunate event. But here’s the thing; you don’t actually plan to drive it anytime soon. Maybe it’s a non-runner, a project car, or something you were planning to sell.

Now you’re wondering: Do I still need insurance just to get it out of the pound?

Short answer? It depends. But if you don’t handle this properly, you could end up paying way more than you bargained for; or worse, losing your car entirely.

Let’s break it all down.

Do You Need Insurance to Retrieve a Car You Won’t Be Driving?

If you plan on driving the car away from the pound, you must have a valid impounded car insurance policy that lasts at least 30 days. That’s non-negotiable.

But if the car is undrivable, a write-off, or you simply don’t want to take it back on the road, there’s another way: getting it collected by a recovery service.

How to Get Your Car Out Without Insurance

If you don’t intend to drive your car, you don’t need to insure it; but you do need to arrange for it to be transported legally.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a Recovery Truck

A recovery or towing service can legally collect your car from the pound and transport it to a location of your choice.

What you may need to do:

• Find a licensed vehicle recovery service.
• Make sure they have the necessary transport permits.
• Arrange a pickup time with the impound lot.

Yes, it’ll cost you, but it might be cheaper than getting impounded car insurance; especially if you’re not keeping the car long-term.

2. Declare It Off the Road (SORN) After Collection

If you’re planning to keep the car but won’t be using it, you can register it as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) once you get it home.

What this means:

• You won’t have to tax or insure it whilst it’s off the road.
• It must be stored on private property; not on a public road.
• You can’t drive it until you tax and insure it again.

It’s a good option if you’re fixing up a project car or just not ready to put it back on the road.

3. Sell It Straight from the Pound

If you were planning to sell the car anyway, you might not even need to take it home first. Some buyers; especially scrap dealers or traders; may be willing to purchase it directly from the impound lot.

What you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership (V5C logbook).
• Written permission from the pound (some require you to be present at the release).
• A buyer willing to collect the vehicle legally.

Selling it from the pound could save you a lot of hassle; and the growing storage fees.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Leaving your car in the pound and hoping the problem goes away? Bad idea.

If you don’t retrieve your car within seven working days, the authorities can:

• Sell it at auction (and you won’t see a penny).
• Scrap it (if it’s deemed unroadworthy).
• Bill you for outstanding charges (even if the car is scrapped).

That’s right; you could end up owing money for a car you don’t even have anymore.

Closing Arguments:: Get It Sorted Before It’s Too Late

If your car is stuck in the pound and you don’t intend to drive it, you don’t necessarily need insurance; but you do need to take action.

• Arrange a recovery truck if you want to keep it.
• Declare it SORN if you won’t be driving it soon.
• Sell it directly from the pound if you don’t want it anymore.
• Act fast; waiting too long could mean losing your car entirely.

Need advice on your options? Click the button below for a quote or ring the number below to get expert guidance on impounded car insurance and vehicle retrieval.