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Impound Insurance

Impounded Car Insurance

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Impound Car Insurance


What is impound insurance?

Having your vehicle impounded can be a stressful experience. Impound insurance is a short-term policy that allows you to legally drive your vehicle away from the impound facility. Impound insurance typically offers comprehensive coverage for a short period, usually 30 days. This gives you enough time to sort out your regular insurance or make other arrangements for your vehicle. Remember, impound insurance is a temporary solution. Once you’ve retrieved your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange standard car insurance for long-term coverage. 

Why do I need impound insurance?

Impound insurance is a crucial tool to help you get your car back on the road quickly and legally. Keep in mind impound insurance is a short-term solution. Once you’ve got your car back, you’ll need to get regular car insurance for long-term protection. We’re here to help you through this process making sure you’re back on the road safely and legally. Here are a few of the key benefits of this insurance: 

Meeting legal requirements

You need valid insurance to get your impounded vehicle back. Impound insurance meets this requirement so you can drive your car away from the pound legally.

Temporary fix

This short-term policy covers the time between your vehicle’s impound and when you set up long-term insurance. It gives you time to sort out your regular insurance without holding up your car’s release. 

Immediate coverage

Impound insurance policies provide immediate coverage. This means you can get your vehicle out of the pound as soon as possible, reducing storage fees and inconvenience. 

Flexibility

Temporary insurance allows you time to consider your next move. Whether that’s taking out annual car insurance, taxing the vehicle, or declaring it as SORN (off the road).

Can I get my car out of impound without insurance? 


No matter why your car was impounded, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance that covers releasing an impounded vehicle. The cover needs to be valid for at least 30 days after the car is released.  

Take a look at your current policy – it might cover getting your car back if it’s impounded. Not all policies do this though, so always read the fine print. If you’re not sure, get in touch with your insurance company. You might be able to add coverage for impounded cars to your existing policy. If that’s not an option, you’ll need to look for special insurance for impounded vehicles. 

Likewise, if the police took your car because it wasn’t insured, you’ll need to find an insurance company that specializes in these situations. Use comparison sites like Quotezone.co.uk to compare quotes for impound insurance.  

According to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made by National Scrap Car, more than 214,000 vehicles were seized by the police in the UK in 2023. The most common reason vehicles were impounded was due to the driver being uninsured or not holding a valid driving licence. 

How much does it cost to get my car out of impound?


Depending on your circumstances, you could be charged a range of fees to get your car out of impound, including: 

1. Towing fees

2. Storage fees (which increase daily)

3. Any outstanding fines or tickets 

4. Impound insurance

The fee amount depends on your vehicle’s weight and condition. You also have to pay a storage fee for every 24-hour period – full or partial – that the car has been impounded.  

Typical fees for cars and light vans start at £192 for a removal charge and £26 per day storage charge. So it’s best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid accumulating storage fees. 

What documents do I need to release my car from impound?

To release your car, you’ll typically need: 

Proof of ownership (V5C logbook or similar)

Valid photo ID (driving licence or passport)

Proof of valid insurance

Payment for all fees and fines

Other impound insurance options


How much is impound insurance in the UK?

UK Impound insurance is typically more expensive than a standard vehicle insurance policy, when compared on a per-day basis. However, impound insurance policies are typically under 30 days long, so will be cheaper overall. The exact cost depends on factors specific to your policy, like the length of the policy, the type of vehicle that it covers, and the reason your vehicle was impounded. Because impound insurance is costly, many drivers will choose the shortest policy that meets their needs to keep costs low. 

How can I get the cheapest impounded car insurance?

With time working against you when it comes to the cost of getting your car out of impound, it’s important to not panic buy. There are a few strategies you can use to help make sure you are not overpaying for impound insurance.  

Choose the shortest policy necessary

While you will need insurance that covers releasing your vehicle from impound, the cover only needs to last 30 days. Do not pay more over insuring beyond this time if it’s not otherwise necessary 

Check for specialist impound insurance providers

Insurers who specialise in impound insurance could offer a more competitive rate when compared to other insurance providers. 

Compare impound insurance quotes

Using a comparison website like Quotezone takes the hard work out of finding specialist impound insurers. You’ll have access to more quotes to compare, helping you find a cheaper deal.  

Impound Insurance FAQs

Can your car be impounded for no insurance?

Yes, the police can seize your car if you’re driving without valid insurance. They check this using the Motor Insurance Database and can give you a fixed penalty notice, a £300 fine, and put six penalty points on your licence. According to a recent report, thousands of vehicles are seized each year due to expired insurance, often due to forgetting the renewal date of their policies.   

Does getting your car impounded affect your insurance?

Yes, it can. Impoundment often indicates to insurers that you’re a ‘risky’ driver, which can result in higher premiums. It might also lead to penalty points, which will also increase the cost of your insurance policy.  

Does impound insurance need to be 30 days?

Yes, you need insurance that is valid for at least 30 days to have your vehicle released. The 30-day timeframe safeguards your vehicle from being immediately impounded again for lacking proper insurance once it leaves the pound.  

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