Step 1 - Get A Quote

Step 2 - Get Your Cover

Step 3 - Recover Your Car

Step 4 - Drive Away

Which Type of Vehicle do you need to insure

Why Do Vehicles Get Impounded in the UK?

When your car suddenly disappears into the mysterious depths of an impound lot, it’s usually for a legal reason. Whether the police, DVLA, or other authorities are involved, here are the most common causes of vehicle impounding in the UK:

  • Driving without valid insurance or a driving licence

  • Using your vehicle in a way that causes a nuisance or danger

  • Illegal parking, abandonment, or obstruction

  • Leaving a broken-down vehicle in a hazardous spot

Knowing why your vehicle was impounded can help you avoid repeat performances and speed up its release next time (hopefully, there won’t be a next time!).

Does Standard Car Insurance Cover Impound Retrieval?

Short answer: Nope.

Most standard car insurance policies do not cover retrieving your vehicle from an impound. To get your car back, you’ll need a specialist impound vehicle insurance policy that specifically covers impound release.

What Is Impound Vehicle Insurance?

Think of impound insurance as your VIP pass to get your car out of the pound. It’s a special coverage designed to meet police and impound yard requirements, typically covering a minimum of 30 days to ensure your vehicle’s release.

Without it, your car stays put—so it’s an essential cover if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law (or just unlucky).

How Much Does It Cost to Retrieve a Car from an Impound in the UK?

Getting your car back from impound comes with some fees, including:

  • Impound release fine: Usually between £100 and £200 if you pay within 24 hours

  • Storage fees: If your car lingers longer than allowed, expect daily charges to pile up

Heads up: If you don’t collect your vehicle, it may eventually be sold or destroyed—definitely not the souvenir you wanted.

How to Retrieve Your Vehicle from an Impound

Once your vehicle is ready to be picked up, you’ll receive a notice with instructions. To get your car back, you’ll typically need:

Proof of valid insurance (hello, impound insurance!)

Driving licence

Vehicle logbook (V5C) & valid MOT certificate

Pro tip: Double-check with the impound yard about any extra documents before you make the trip — nobody likes wasted journeys!

Proof of valid insurance

Driving licence

Logbook & valid MOT

Can Someone Else Collect My Impounded Vehicle for Me?

Yes! If you can’t pick up your vehicle, someone else can do it for you. They’ll need to provide:

Your signed authorisation letter

Their own valid ID

All the documents listed above

Get Impound Vehicle Insurance with Our Trusted Partners

We get it—retrieving an impounded vehicle can be stressful. That’s why we work with trusted insurance partners who offer temporary impound vehicle insurance to ease the process and get your car released quickly.

How to Get a Quote for Impound Vehicle Insurance

Ready to get your car back on the road? Contact us today for a fast, competitive quote. We work with top impound insurance specialists across the UK to make sure you get the right cover—without the hassle.

For official details, check out the UK Government’s vehicle impound guidance.

Need Help? Contact Us Today!

Got questions or need assistance with impound vehicle insurance? Our friendly team is here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Reach out now and let’s get you driving again—legally, of course!

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