Can Someone Else Insure My Impounded Car to Get It Released?

The authorities have confiscated your car. Oh, for crying out loud. What a hassle. Just what you may needed, would you agree? Now, you're scrambling to figure out how to get it back, and someone suggests, “Why not just get a mate or a family member to insure it and pick it up for you?” Sounds like a solid plan. Easy, quick, and no stress…

Except, of course, it's not that simple.

Why Can't Someone Else Just Insure My Car?

Unfortunately, most impound lots have rules tighter than a jammed seatbelt, and one of their biggest requirements? The insurance policy needs to be in the registered keeper's name. That means if your name's on the logbook, someone else's insurance won't get your car out.

Here's why:

• The pound wants proof of ownership – They usually insist that the person collecting the vehicle is the legal owner or has written permission to act on their behalf.
• Standard insurance isn't the right fit for this – Most regular car insurance policies do not meet the strict requirements needed for impound release. You typically need a specialist policy.
• Transferring ownership might be required – If someone else is going to collect the car, they may need to legally take ownership first. That means updating the V5C logbook, sorting out road tax, and then getting valid insurance.

If your car was impounded because of no insurance in the first place, this whole process might feel like an endless maze of paperwork. But don't worry; there are still ways to get it back.

What If I Need to Transfer Ownership?

If the original owner can't get insured and transferring ownership is the only way forward, it's important to do it by the book. Cutting corners here will only lead to more problems down the road.

Here's what needs to happen:

• Create a bill of sale – This proves the transfer of ownership.
• Update the DVLA records – The new owner must register the car in their name using the V5C logbook.
• Make sure the car is taxed – You cannot drive it away without valid road tax.
• Arrange specialist impound insurance – The new owner needs a policy that meets the pound's strict requirements before attempting to retrieve the car.

It's not the quickest fix, but if the original owner can't get insured, this might be the only legal route.

Other Ways to Get an Impounded Car Back

If getting the right insurance in the owner's name isn't happening, here are a couple of other ways to retrieve the car:

• Hire a tow truck – Some professional haulage companies can collect an impounded vehicle without insurance. Yes, there's a transport fee, but it might be the quickest and least stressful option.
• Check business or fleet insurance – If the car belongs to a business, the company's fleet policy might already cover impound release. It's worth asking.

Don't Wait Too Long; Storage Fees Add Up Fast

One thing is certain: every day your car sits in the pound, the cost goes up.

• Storage fees are charged daily – The longer you wait, the bigger your bill.
• Your car could be auctioned or scrapped – If you don't claim it in time, it could be gone for good.
• More delays = more paperwork – The longer you leave it, the messier and more expensive this whole process becomes.

Bottom Line? Act Fast.

If your car's stuck in the pound, don't assume a friend or relative can just slap their name on an insurance policy and drive it away. In most cases, you'll need specialist impound insurance. And if that's not an option, transferring ownership or hiring a tow truck might be your best bet.

Need help finding the right impound insurance? Phone the number below today; they'll help you get your car back before storage fees drain your wallet.

⚠ Important Reminder: You have seven working days from the date on your seizure notice to collect your vehicle. Wait too long, and it could be gone for good.