Having your car impounded can be a stressful experience, but knowing the right steps can help you recover your vehicle quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and explain how impound insurance can make a difference.
Why Was Your Car Impounded?
Before retrieving your vehicle, it’s important to understand why it was impounded. Common reasons include:
Driving without insurance
Parking violations
Abandoning a vehicle
Driving without a valid license
Involvement in a crime or accident
Understanding the reason will help you determine the necessary steps to take for its release.
What Documents Do You Need?
To retrieve your impounded vehicle, you’ll typically need the following:
Proof of
identity
(passport or driving licence)
Proof of ownership
(V5C logbook or bill of sale)
Valid motor insurance
(that covers impounded vehicles)
MOT
Certificate
(if the vehicle is over three years old)
Release fee payment
(varies depending on the police department)
What is Impound Insurance?
Standard car insurance policies often do not cover impounded vehicles. This is where impound insurance comes in—it provides the specific coverage required to release your vehicle. Most impound lots will not release your car unless you show a minimum of 30 days’ insurance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Car Back
Locate Your Vehicle – Contact the police or local council to confirm where your car is being held.
Gather Your Documents – Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before visiting the impound lot.
Purchase Impound Insurance – If your current policy doesn’t cover impounded vehicles, get a specialist impound insurance policy.
Pay the Fees – Be prepared to cover the release and daily storage fees.
Retrieve Your Vehicle – Head to the impound lot with your documents and payment to get your car released.
Stay Insured – Avoid future issues by ensuring your vehicle remains legally insured.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to act—storage fees can add up quickly.
- Attempting to retrieve the vehicle without valid insurance.
- Forgetting essential documents like your V5C logbook or MOT certificate.
Final Thoughts If your car has been impounded, act quickly to minimize costs and avoid additional penalties. Make sure to get the right impound insurance, follow the legal process, and stay insured to prevent future issues.
For a fast and affordable impound insurance quote, get a quote today.
