Why Transferring Car Insurance Won't Get Your Impounded Car Back

Your car has been taken in by enforcement officers. Oh, for heaven's sake. That's just unfair. As if your week wasn't already going great, now you're dealing with insurance confusion, storage fees, and the sinking feeling that this is going to be expensive. You might think, “Well, I already have insurance; shouldn't that cover it?”

Forget it. Not even close.

Most standard car insurance policies won't help when your car's been seized, and a lot of people don't realize this until they're standing at the pound, frustrated and stuck. So, why exactly do insurers wash their hands of impounded cars? Let's break it down; and more importantly, figure out what you can actually do to get your car back.

Why Insurance Companies Want No Part of This

Insurance companies love low-risk, predictable situations. Your car sitting in an impound lot? That's the opposite of what they want to deal with.

Here's why most insurers won't let you transfer your existing policy to an impounded vehicle:

• Too risky for them – Cars don't just get impounded for fun. Maybe you forgot to renew your insurance, maybe you parked somewhere you shouldn't, or maybe it's something worse. Either way, insurers assume impounded cars = high risk, and they want nothing to do with it.
• Impound yards require specific policies – The pound won't release your car unless you show proof of an insurance policy that specifically covers impound release. Regular policies don't cut it.
• Sneaky exclusions – Even if you have a fancy fully comprehensive policy, read the fine print. A lot of standard insurance policies flat-out exclude cover for impounded vehicles.
• Some insurers just refuse outright – Certain companies won't cover an impounded car, no matter what. It doesn't matter why it was seized; if it's been towed to the pound, they're out.

Is There Any Hope With Your Current Policy?

Before you start stressing too much, call your insurer. In rare cases, they might offer an add-on or some kind of loophole to help you out. It's not common, but hey, it's worth a shot.

If they hit you with a polite “Sorry, but no,” then it's time to look at your alternatives.

What Can You Do Instead?

No luck with your insurer? Don't worry; you still have a few options.

• Impound-Specific Insurance – Some companies specialise in covering impounded cars. These policies usually require at least 30 days of cover to be accepted at the pound.
• Short-Term Insurance – Not all temporary policies work, but some do. If you go this route, make sure the policy specifically covers impound release.
• Annual Insurance with Impound Cover – Some insurers may cover your car, but only if you commit to a full-year policy. It's not the cheapest option, but sometimes, it's the only one.
• Vehicle Recovery Services – If insurance isn't working out, you can skip the hassle and hire a tow truck. Some recovery services might pick up your car and deliver it to your home; no insurance needed, just a fee.

Act Fast; Every Day Costs You More

One thing you definitely don't want to do? Wait.

Most impound yards won't keep your car forever. Usually, they'll hold onto it for 14 days before putting it up for auction; or worse, sending it to be scrapped.

And even if you get there before that happens, every single day your car sits in the lot means more storage fees stacking up. The longer you wait, the bigger the bill.

Don't Let This Get Worse; Sort It Now

Hoping your current insurance may cover your impounded car is almost always wishful thinking. Insurers don't like the risk, and most standard policies won't meet the legal requirements anyway.

So, what's the best move?

• Look for specialist impound insurance
• See if a short-term policy might work
• If all else fails, arrange for a recovery truck

Whatever you do, don't sit on this. Storage fees and time limits won't wait for you to figure it out.

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 could be auctioned off or scrapped.

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