Can I Retrieve My Car from the Impound If I'm Not the Registered Keeper?

So, you’ve found yourself in a bit of a predicament; the car you might need to get out of the impound isn’t registered in your name. Maybe you borrowed a friend’s car, or maybe it’s a family vehicle that got seized whilst you were driving it. Now, you’re wondering: Can I collect it, or does the registered keeper have to be the one to do it?

The short answer? It’s possible, but not always easy. Let’s go through the details and what you might need to do to get the car back before the storage fees pile up.

Why Does the Registered Keeper Matter?

In the eyes of the law, the registered keeper is the person responsible for the vehicle. That doesn’t necessarily mean they own it, but they are the one accountable for tax, insurance, and legal obligations.

When a car gets impounded, the police or local authorities want to make sure it’s being released to someone who has the legal right to claim it. That’s why they usually require the registered keeper to be the one who turns up at the pound with all the paperwork.

But what if they can’t make it? Or what if the car isn’t even theirs anymore? That’s where things get tricky.

Can Someone Else Collect an Impounded Car?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you’re not the registered keeper, you can still retrieve the vehicle, but you’ll need to provide extra documentation to prove you have permission to do so.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Signed Letter of Authorisation from the Registered Keeper

• The person named on the V5C logbook must write and sign a letter confirming they are giving you permission to collect the car on their behalf.
• This letter should include:
• The full name and address of the registered keeper
• Your full name and address
• Details of the vehicle (make, model, registration number)
• A clear statement that they authorise you to collect the car
• Their signature and the date

2. A Copy of the Registered Keeper’s ID

• To prove the authorisation letter is legit, you’ll also need a photocopy of the registered keeper’s driving licence or passport.

3. Your Own ID

• Since you’re the one collecting the car, you’ll need to bring your own valid photo ID; either a driving licence or passport.

4. Proof of Insurance Covering Impound Release

This is the part where most people get stuck. The pound will not release the car unless you have valid insurance that specifically covers impounded vehicles.

A standard policy won’t do; most insurers don’t cover impound releases unless you buy a specialist impounded car insurance policy. This policy must:

• Cover at least 30 days (one-day or short-term insurance won’t be accepted)
• Provide at least third-party cover (the legal minimum)
• Explicitly state that it covers impounded vehicles

5. The Impound Notice

• This is the document given to the driver when the car was seized. It proves that the vehicle is currently in the impound and helps speed up the process.

6. The V5C Logbook (If Available)

• If you can, bring the vehicle’s registration document (V5C). If you don’t have it, some impounds might accept proof of ownership in another form, but this varies depending on the authority in charge.

What If the Car Has Been Sold Recently?

If the registered keeper is no longer the owner because they sold the car to you (or someone else), but the DVLA records haven’t been updated yet, you’ll need to provide proof of the sale.

This could be:

• A receipt or bill of sale signed by the previous owner
• A completed V5C/2 new keeper slip (if you were given one)
• An insurance policy in your name covering the car

If you’ve bought the car, but the logbook still has the previous owner’s details, things can get messy. The police pound will almost always require confirmation from the registered keeper before releasing the vehicle.

What If the Registered Keeper Can’t Be Contacted?

Let’s say the person who owns the car is abroad, unreachable, or just refuses to cooperate. What then?

In most cases, you won’t be able to retrieve the car unless you can prove that ownership has changed. If you legally own the vehicle, but the records haven’t been updated, your best bet is to contact the DVLA to get the logbook changed ASAP and provide proof of the transfer.

What Happens If You Don’t Retrieve the Car?

If you can’t get the necessary paperwork together in time, the impound won’t hold onto the car forever.

After 7 working days, authorities can:

• Sell the car at auction (you won’t get any money from the sale)
• Scrap it if they consider it unroadworthy
• Charge you additional fees, even if you don’t get the car back

This is why acting fast is bordering on worthwhile. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets.

The Bottom Line:: Can You Get the Car Back?

If you’re not the registered keeper, you can still retrieve an impounded vehicle, but you’ll need to jump through a few extra hoops.

To give yourself the best chance of success:

• Get written permission from the registered keeper if they can’t go themselves
• Bring valid ID for both you and them
• Make sure you have the right impounded car insurance; this is the most common reason people are turned away
• Act quickly before fees skyrocket or the car is auctioned off

If you probably need help getting the right impounded car insurance,click the button below to get your quotes or ring the number below for expert advice. The sooner you sort it out, the less you’ll have to pay!