What Should I Do If My Insurance Company Refuses to Cover My Impounded Car?

So, your car’s been impounded, and now you’re trying to do the right thing; get insured so you can get it back. But instead of a quick, hassle-free solution, you’re met with something much worse: your insurance company flat-out refusing to cover it.

Frustrating? Absolutely.

Unexpected? Not really.

A total nightmare if you don’t know what to do next? Definitely.

If you’ve hit a wall with your insurer and don’t know where to turn, don’t panic. You’ve still got options; but time isn’t on your side. Let’s go through exactly what to do when your insurance provider won’t play ball.

Why Won’t My Insurance Company Cover My Impounded Car?

You’d think that if you already have an insurance policy, you’d be fine. Just give them a call, explain the situation, and they’d sort it out, right?

Wrong.

Most standard insurers won’t cover impounded cars because they see them as high-risk. Whether your car was seized for lack of insurance, illegal parking, or another reason, insurers don’t like dealing with vehicles that have been taken to the pound. They assume there’s a reason your car got impounded; and they don’t want to be responsible for it.

Here’s why they might say no:

• Their policies don’t allow impound release – Most standard policies don’t cover the release of a seized vehicle.
• They don’t offer specialist impound insurance – If an insurer doesn’t specifically provide this type of cover, they won’t make an exception for you.
• They see your situation as high-risk – If your car was seized for driving without insurance or another offence, many insurers won’t want to take you on.

So, if your insurer has shut you down, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Step 1: Stop Wasting Time with Standard Insurers

Let’s be honest; if your current insurer won’t cover your impounded car, trying to argue with them isn’t going to help. And every extra day your car sits in the pound? That’s more money in storage fees coming straight out of your pocket.

The first thing you probably need to do is stop calling mainstream insurers. They’re not going to change their policies for you. Instead, go straight to companies that specialise in impounded car insurance.

Step 2: Find a Specialist Insurer Who WILL Cover You

Not all insurers are created equal. Some providers specifically offer policies designed for releasing impounded vehicles. These policies meet police requirements and can be arranged quickly, so you don’t waste time (or money) waiting.

Here’s how to find one:

• Search for "impounded car insurance UK" online – Look for companies that explicitly state they cover vehicles in the pound.
• Call an insurance broker – Some brokers deal with high-risk drivers and impounded cars and can help you find the right policy.
• Make sure the policy meets impound requirements – It must:
  • Cover third-party risks (the legal minimum).
  • Be valid for at least 30 days (the pound won’t accept anything shorter).
  • Specifically state that it’s accepted for impound release.

Once you’ve found a provider, get a quote and buy the policy as soon as possible.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents and Head to the Pound

Once you’ve got the right insurance in place, you’ll need to head to the pound with all the required paperwork.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your new impounded car insurance certificate
• Your driving licence or another form of ID
• The V5C logbook or proof of ownership
• The impound notice issued by the police
• Payment for any outstanding release fees and storage costs

Without all of these, you won’t get your car back; so double-check before heading to the pound.

What If You STILL Can’t Get Insurance?

If you’ve tried specialist insurers and still can’t get cover, don’t panic just yet; you have a couple of last-resort options.

1. Use a Recovery Service Instead

If getting insured just isn’t happening, you might be able to pay for a vehicle recovery truck to transport your car legally instead of driving it yourself.

2. Transfer Ownership to Someone Who CAN Get Insurance

If a friend or family member is willing to take ownership of the car, they might be able to get the right insurance and retrieve it on your behalf. Just keep in mind that this means officially changing the vehicle’s owner on the V5C logbook.

3. Accept That the Car Might Be Gone for Good

I know; it’s not what you want to hear. But if you leave it too long, the pound will either auction off your car or have it scrapped. If your car isn’t worth much, you might need to seriously consider whether it’s financially worth trying to get it back.

Conclusion:: Act Fast and Get the Right Cover

If your insurance company refuses to cover your impounded car, don’t waste time arguing with them; it won’t change anything. Instead:

• Find a specialist insurer that offers impound cover.
• Make sure the policy meets the legal requirements.
• Get your paperwork sorted quickly before the storage fees add up.

And if you probably need fast impounded car insurance,click the button below for fast insurance quotes or ring the number below for advice. The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay; so don’t delay.