Why Does Impounded Car Insurance Cost So Much?

The police have impounded your car. Not what you wanted to hear, I'm sure. As if that wasn't bad enough, now you've look uped that getting it back comes with a hefty insurance bill. And not just any insurance; impounded car insurance, which, surprise surprise, costs way more than regular cover.

Why? Because insurers don't see an impounded car as just a car. They see it as a big, flashing risk. And when insurers smell risk, they crank up the price. It's frustrating, unfair, and expensive; but let's break down why it happens and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Why Is Impounded Car Insurance So Expensive?

There are a few reasons why this type of insurance comes with a painful price tag. Understanding them won't make it any cheaper, but at least you'll know what you're up against.

• Insurers Think You're High-Risk – A car doesn't get impounded for no reason. Maybe you forgot to renew your insurance, maybe you parked somewhere you shouldn't, or maybe it was something more serious. Whatever the case, insurers see impounded cars as trouble and charge accordingly.
• You Need a Specialist Policy – Your everyday insurance won't make the grade. To get your car out of the pound, you may need a specific impound insurance policy. And since only a handful of insurers offer it, it is not so easy to compare prices.
• Extra Admin and Legal Fees – Impound insurance isn't a straightforward policy. There's extra paperwork, legal requirements, and administrative costs that insurers factor in. And guess who gets stuck with the bill? Yes, you.
• Your Driving History Matters – If your car was seized because of a lack of insurance, expired road tax, or something even worse, insurers could take that into account. Past offences = higher premiums.
• Fewer Insurers = Higher Prices – Regular car insurance is competitive, which helps keep prices reasonable. But impound insurance? Hardly any insurers want to deal with it, meaning less competition and higher prices for you.

What Gets Cars Impounded in the First Place?

Hoping to never go through this again? Smart move. Here are some of the top reasons cars end up in the pound:

• Driving without insurance (by far the most common reason)
• Not paying your road tax
• Parking somewhere you really shouldn't have
• Getting involved in a criminal offence
• Driving under the influence or whilst disqualified

Moral of the story? Keep your documents in check and don't take chances on the road; because getting your car back is a headache you don't want to repeat.

Is There a Way Around Expensive Impound Insurance?

If the cost of impound insurance is making your wallet cry, don't panic just yet; you might have a workaround.

• Use a Recovery Truck – Some companies could tow your car home instead of you having to insure it right away. It's not free, but depending on your situation, it could be cheaper than buying an expensive policy.
• Transfer Ownership – If a friend or family member is willing to take ownership, they might be able to insure and collect the car themselves. But this takes time, so don't count on it as a last-minute fix.
• Ask the Pound Directly – The impound staff have seen it all before. Sometimes they know of alternative ways to get your car back that you haven't thought of yet. It never hurts to ask.

Don't Wait; Every Day Costs You More

Here's the brutal truth: The longer your car sits in the pound, the more you'll pay.

Storage fees stack up daily, and if you leave it too long, you could be dealing with something even worse; like your car being auctioned off or scrapped.

Time is money. Get it sorted before this mess gets even more expensive.

Important: You Only Have Seven Days

Legally, you must visit the police pound within seven working days of receiving your seizure notice.

Miss the deadline? Your car might be gone for good.

Need a quote ASAP? Call now and get it sorted before it's too late.