How to Get Your Car Back Without Paying for Impound Insurance

Getting your car impounded is bad enough. Realizing you could need a special (and usually expensive) type of insurance to get it back? That's next-level frustrating. The good news? You're not completely out of options. There are other ways to reclaim your vehicle without jumping through the impound insurance hoops; if you act fast.

Here's how to sidestep the insurance headache and get your car back before the fees pile up.

Option 1: Use a Vehicle Recovery Service

If getting impound insurance isn't happening; maybe insurers won't cover you, or maybe you just don't want to pay the sky-high premiums; consider hiring a professional vehicle recovery service.

These companies may tow your car from the impound lot straight to your home (or wherever you want it), skipping the need for insurance altogether.

Why might this be a good move?

• No insurance hassle – Since the car is towed instead of driven, you don't need an impound-specific policy.
• They handle the tricky stuff – Tight parking spaces? Oversized vehicles? No problem. Recovery services have the right equipment for all situations.
• Nationwide availability – It doesn't matter where your car is impounded; these companies operate almost everywhere.
• Keeps things discreet – Don't want your neighbors seeing your car on a tow truck? Some services offer covered transport for extra privacy.

But How Much Does This Cost?

Towing your car isn't free, and before you go down this route, it's worth understanding the costs involved.

• Towing fees depend on distance and vehicle size – The further the impound yard is from your destination, the more it'll cost. Calling a few providers for quotes is a smart move.
• Impound fees add up daily – As of April 2023, standard impound fees in the UK are £192 for release, plus £26 per day in storage charges. The longer you wait, the more painful the bill.

If you're weighing up whether to pay for impound insurance or hire a recovery service, crunch the numbers first. Sometimes, towing is the cheaper and easier way out.

Option 2: Speak to a Specialist

Not sure which route is best? Talking to an expert might save you time, money, and stress.

Insurance brokers and recovery service providers deal with impounded cars all the time, so they can help you figure out the best approach.

Why is this worth considering?

• They know the system inside out – No more second-guessing which policies or services actually work.
• They move fast – Many operate 24/7, which is helpful when you're racing against impound deadlines.
• They keep everything legal – Nothing worse than thinking you've sorted things out, only to hit another roadblock. A specialist makes sure you're covered properly.

Option 3: Consider Other Insurance Alternatives

If you'd rather not pay for full-blown impound insurance but still want to drive your car home, you might have some alternatives.

• Temporary Insurance – Some companies offer short-term impound policies (usually 30 days). This could be a quick fix if you just need cover long enough to get your car out and sort a more permanent policy later.
• Declare a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) – If you don't plan to drive your car right away, you could declare it off the road (SORN). This means you don't have to insure or tax it, but you must have it transported (not driven) to private property.

Both options can work in the right situation, but make sure you understand the rules before choosing one.

Final Thought: Don't Sit on This; It'll Only Get Worse

Whatever you decide to do, don't delay.

Every extra day your car sits in the pound means higher storage fees; and if you wait too long, it could be auctioned off or scrapped. The last thing you want is to lose your car over a paperwork issue or avoidable delay.

Still unsure about the best way to get your car back? Give the number below a call for expert advice, or click the link to get a quote online.

One Last Reminder: You Have Seven Days

Legally, you must visit the police pound within seven working days of receiving your seizure notice. Miss that deadline, and your car could be gone for good.