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As your vehicle been impounded?

Writer's picture: UK SureUK Sure

Updated: May 1, 2024

If your vehicle has been impounded, you’re probably confused and worried, especially if you’re not the registered keeper – so let’s look at the most frequently asked questions about this issue.


At UK Sure, we support many people who find themselves in this frustrating and costly position. So, we’re well placed to answer some of those queries, and help you get reunited with your vehicle as quickly as possible.



Who can impound your car, and why?

Think that impounding cars is just a police matter? Wrong! There are several official bodies that can order your vehicle to be seized.

The police, of course, have the right to seize your vehicle on a number of grounds, for example if they believe:

● It is being used in a way that causes alarm, like dangerous or careless driving.

● It’s being driven by someone without a licence and subsequently without insurance.

● It’s dangerously or illegally parked.

● It provides evidence of a crime.

● You’ve failed to stop after an accident.


Then there’s the DVLA. It can order your car to be seized on tax grounds, for example:

● You haven’t paid your vehicle road tax.

● Your vehicle is on the road when it’s been issued with a SORN notice.

● It’s a foreign registered vehicle that’s been driven in the UK for longer than six months or belongs to a UK resident.

The contractor that carries out seizures on behalf of the DVLA is NSL. Also, the DVLA has devolved powers to many police forces and local authorities, so it may be their officers who impound your vehicle on tax grounds.


Your local authority also has powers to seize vehicles that have been abandoned on land in the open air and roads, including private land or roads.


So if you’re going away for a lengthy period, think about where you’ll store your car, otherwise you might be notified that it’s been removed.


Finally, your car can be seized if you have outstanding penalty charge notices or other debts. This would be ordered by a court, and carried out by bailiffs or fines enforcement officers.


The police, of course, have the right to seize your vehicle on a number of grounds
The police, of course, have the right to seize your vehicle on a number of grounds

What does it cost to release an impounded vehicle?

Unfortunatly, there are quite a few costs you could have to pay at the car pound.

● Any outstanding penalties. If your vehicle was seized for non-payment of fines, this is likely to be a hefty amount.

● If your car was taken for non-payment of vehicle tax, you’ll need to pay that, too. Alternatively, you can pay a surety deposit of £160 for cars or motorbikes, which you can then reclaim if you settle your tax bill within 15 days.

● Removal fees, which vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle. For cars in good condition, it’s £150, but if they’ve been badly damaged in an accident, that cost will rise.

● Storage fees, usually £21 per day.

● Finally, many insurance providers won’t cover you for driving your vehicle away from the pound, so you’ll need to take out specialist cover.


Impounded car insurance if you’re not the registered keeper of the vehicle is available, too. So the costs really do add up – and will keep rising the longer it takes you to collect your vehicle.




What documents do I need to bring to release my impounded vehicle?

If your car’s been impounded, you should receive a letter or leaflet explaining all the paperwork you need to present. It can vary somewhat from pound to pound, so it’s best to double check before you set off.

Documents you need to present are likely to include:

● Your driving licence.

● Your insurance policy.

● Your V5C certificate proving that you are the registered keeper.

● Another form of ID, such as a passport or a utility bill.


If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to take out a specialist policy to allow you to drive the vehicle away. Impounded car insurance if you’re not the registered keeper is also available – just contact us at the Insurance Factory to ask.


You might need to present this information at a local police station, before being given a release form to take to your pound.



Why can’t I take out regular car insurance?

Many car insurance providers specifically exclude collecting cars from the pound, so you could well need to find a specialist policy to cover you.


Given that having your car impounded is already a very stressful event, this could be the last straw! Fortunately, UK Sure has many years’ experience in arranging cover, and we’ll search our panel of trusted insurance providers to find you a policy that suits.


Impounded car insurance generally covers you for one month, giving you enough time to get your affairs in order for the longer term.



Can I send someone else to collect my car?

Normally, the registered keeper of the vehicle is the person who needs to be present at the pound. There are a few exceptions:

● If you’re too ill to attend.

● If you’re out of the country.

● If you have other compelling compassionate circumstances that prevent you from coming along.


You’ll need to provide proof that one of these circumstances applies, so contact the relevant pound to find out what they’ll accept.


Your friend or family member will also need to present:

● A letter of authority consenting to them collecting your vehicle, signed by you.

● A copy of your passport or driving licence as proof of your signature.

● Your V5C documentation.

● Their own driving licence.

● Personal ID.

They must also prove they’re insured to drive your vehicle away from the pound. This can be tricky, as their own insurance is likely to specifically exclude this scenario.



Normally, the registered keeper of the vehicle is the person who needs to be present at the pound.
Normally, the registered keeper of the vehicle is the person who needs to be present at the pound.

Can I sell an impounded car before collecting it?

It is indeed possible to sell your car while it’s in the pound – but only if it’s a genuine sale. You can’t just pass it on to another person in an attempt to get round laws.


So if your vehicle was seized because you were driving it without a valid licence, you can’t simply “sell” it to a friend who does have a licence, then take it back once it’s been released.


Instead, you and the buyer will both have to follow the correct procedure:

1. You’ll need to provide an invoice of sale and proof of payment.

2. Then you’ll have to fill in the relevant sections of the V5C logbook and hand them to the new buyer, ready to show at the pound later.

3. The buyer must then pay you for the car.

4. The buyer must then insure the car. It’s best to let the insurance company know that the vehicle is currently in a pound, to avoid any potential issues down the line.

5. Both you and the new buyer must then go to the pound with the invoice and all other relevant documents.

6. Staff are likely to send the V5C/2 off to the DVLA on your behalf, and your buyer will receive a new logbook in due course.

You’ll still have to pay release and storage fees and any other penalties or debts. But if you can’t afford to do so without selling your vehicle, then this is one way around that problem.


If you don’t collect your car, it may eventually be sold at a police car auction.



Need Impounded Car Insurance?

Call UK Sure on 01323 416706 or click here to get a quote


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