Introduction to impounded car insurance

Let's imagine a situation: your car has been impounded. It's no secret that this can be a stressful experience. Not only are you faced with the inconvenience of being without your vehicle, but you're also left wondering how to navigate the complexities of impounded car insurance.

Impounded car insurance is a specific type of cover designed for vehicles that have been seized by authorities. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as being involved in illegal activities or if the driver has repeatedly violated traffic laws.

The fact is, if your car has been impounded, you need impounded car insurance. This guide will explain why this is the case and how you can secure the coverage you need.

If your car has been impounded, no matter the reason, it can be difficult to get comprehensive cover to get it out and get you back on the road. By searching our panel of specialist insurers, we can offer you our best priced impounded car insurance cover to suit your circumstances.

What is impounded car insurance?

Impounded car insurance is required if your car is seized, and you require evidence of insurance, in order to release it.

Having your car impounded can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, and we understand that finding an insurance company to cover you when your car is impounded can be difficult. So let Insurance Factory take the stress out of your impound car insurance and make the load that little bit lighter.

We can arrange you cover for 30 days, allowing you to release your car and covering you on the road for one month.

The complexities of impounded car insurance explained

Impounded car insurance is a complex area of insurance, mainly because it is relatively niche. Many motor insurance providers do not offer this type of insurance cover, which can make it difficult to find.

One of the complexities of impounded car insurance is that it often needs to be arranged quickly. You typically have a limited amount of time to get your car insured and out of the impound lot to avoid additional fees. This can make the process of finding and arranging coverage even more stressful.

Another complexity is the cost. Impounded car insurance is often more expensive than regular auto insurance. This is because insurance providers view impounded vehicles as a higher risk.


How to avoid car impounding and related insurance issues

The best way to avoid the complexities of impounded car insurance is to avoid having your car impounded in the first place. This means following the rules of the road and keeping your regular car insurance up to date.

If your car is impounded, act quickly to get it out. The longer your car is in impound, the more it will cost you.

Also, consider investing in a car alarm or other security features. These can reduce the risk of your car being impounded for theft-related reasons.


Conclusion: Simplifying impounded car insurance

Navigating the complexities of impounded car insurance can be daunting. However, with the right information and guidance, it is possible to find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Remember, vehicle insurance is not just a legal requirement. It's also a way to protect your investment in your car. By understanding the need for this cover and how to navigate it, you can make the process less stressful.

Get covered today with Insurance Factory and drive worry-free! Please call us on 0121 296 3075 to speak to one of our friendly team or click here to receive a quote for specialist impounded car insurance.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the police seize vehicles?

The Police seize vehicles to try and clamp down on uninsured cars and vans on the road.  The Police usually run various operations throughout the year where they target uninsured drivers whilst either driving around on patrol or sitting parked somewhere and using specialist computers to log registration numbers into a database to see the current status of a car or van.  You can also get your car or van seized for a number of other reasons including invalid or revoked driving licences.

Why can't I use standard insurance to collect my impounded car?

Most insurer’s WILL NOT Insure you to get your car or van out of the Impound. However, we offer a 30 day policy or a 365 day policy that will allow the release of your car or van.


How to avoid car impounding and related insurance issues?

The best way to avoid the complexities of impounded vehicle insurance is to avoid having your car impounded in the first place. This means following the rules of the road and keeping your regular auto insurance up to date.

If your car is impounded, act quickly to get it out. The longer your car is impounded, the more it will cost you.

Also, consider investing in a car alarm or other security features. These can reduce the risk of your car being impounded for theft-related reasons.


Does impound insurance need to be 30 days?

The question "Does impound insurance need to be 30 days in the UK?" can be answered with a yes, as per the regulations set by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) in the United Kingdom.

When a car is impounded, the law requires that you have a minimum of 30 days insurance cover to retrieve your impounded vehicle. This is to ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured as soon as it leaves the compound.

It is also mandatory for the policyholder to show proof of this insurance at the impound site before the vehicle can be released. This requirement is important as it minimises potential liabilities and risks for all parties involved. Therefore, before attempting to have your impounded car released, it's imperative to secure an impound insurance policy that covers at least a 30-day period.


Can your car be impounded for no insurance?

In the United Kingdom, driving without valid car insurance is not only illegal but it can also lead to severe consequences. If you are caught driving without insurance in the UK, one of the potential outcomes is indeed having your car impounded. The police have the authority to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that's being driven uninsured.

The law under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 gives police the power to seize a vehicle if they have reasonable grounds to suspect it's being driven without valid insurance. Moreover, the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) law states that every vehicle must have at least third party insurance coverage at all times, unless it is declared off the road.

To reclaim an impounded vehicle, the owner must provide proof of insurance and pay an assortment of fines and fees. Failure to reclaim the vehicle within a certain time frame could result in the vehicle being disposed of.


What should I do if my car’s clamped?

Should your vehicle be clamped, you should find a guidance leaflet on your windshield, often referred to as an INF32. It's recommended that you contact the provided number and adhere to the directions on how to unclamp your car, including the associated fees.


How much does it cost to get an impounded car released?

The fees associated with releasing your vehicle may fluctuate based on the duration of it being impounded.

To begin, it is necessary to identify the location where your vehicle has been impounded. This can be achieved by reaching out to your regional police department at 101 or getting in touch with the NSL, a firm contracted by the DVLA to confiscate untaxed vehicles. The police or NSL will provide you with the necessary information on the process and costs to reclaim your impounded vehicle.

The cost to release your vehicle could potentially reach £200. In addition, a daily charge will be applied for each day the vehicle has been impounded, presently set at £21 per day. If your vehicle is untaxed, an additional charge known as the surety fee will be imposed before your vehicle is returned, which could be approximately £160 (higher for larger vehicles).

Once your vehicle has been released, you are eligible for a refund of the surety fee, provided you tax your vehicle and apply for the refund within a 15 day period.