Having your car impounded is a major discomfort to any driver whose vehicle is really important to him, and living without your main vehicle is not easy.
You might have to take out specialist insurance just to secure your vehicle’s release from the impound as not every car insurance provider covers vehicles that are impounded by the police.
We will take a look at Impounded car insurance, explain when it might be required, and what you need to do if your vehicle gets taken away by police.
Why are cars impounded by the police?
Your car can be impounded by the police for various reasons, your car might have been stolen and then found by the police later. It will be taken to the police pound for collection. The vehicle can also be impounded if it was being driven without valid insurance or if it is causing a deterrent. If the driver has not paid road tax, the car will be impounded.
Impound insurance and why do you need impounded car insurance?
Impound insurance is a short-term car insurance policy for a car impounded by the police. Many standard car insurance policies will not cover that has been taken away by the police. It also depends on the wording of your policy and the reason behind your car impoundment. Having at least 30-day insurance cover is a situation of the car being released from the pound.
Impounded car insurance
Many of the reasons a car might be impounded are due to situations or events which result in the car insurance being canceled. To release an impounded car, you need to prove you have a minimum of 30 days’ insurance for the car.
However, impounded cars are seen as high risk by insurance providers and if you can find an annual insurance policy, it could be very costly.
This is where impounded car insurance involves.
Can you get temporary insurance for your impounded car?
Yes, you can get temporary car insurance for your impounded car. You can purchase short-term policies that give cover from 1 day to 1 month.
While policies may differ, they usually offer a comprehensive level of car insurance coverage. It means you will be covered for damage to your own car as well as those of other drivers.
These plans are generally purchased to allow someone else to drive your car on a temporary basis. However, insurance premiums are likely to be comparatively costly. The insurance policy should permit the release of the car from the police pound.
How to retrieve your impounded car?
If your car has been impounded, you should get a notification letter when it is ready for collection. First, you should find out where your car has been taken, if you are unable or unsure where your car is, call and ask your local police pound to know where it has been taken.
It is necessary to clarify with the police exactly what is needed and what you require to do to release your impounded car. Getting your impounded car back needs you to supply a number of documents and follow set instructions within a day of it being impounded. You also have to pay charges and make sure your current car insurance policy covers you for the car to be retrieved from the police pound.
What are the legal requirements if your car has been impounded?
You need to attend the police pound within 7 working days of your car being impounded. However, you should always call the pound before attending the pound to make sure the car is ready to collect and is not being held for further investigation. Also, check opening times.
The impounded car should be collected by the registered owner with the right documents brought at the time within 14 days.
If these requirements have not been met after the given deadline, the police could scrap the car or sell it at auction.
Documents required to release your car
You have to take a number of original documents to the police pound to release your impounded car.
The first is either the impound notice issued at the roadside and if applicable the penalty ticket will be given to you.
You also have to prove the following:
Proof of identity
A photo ID is needed. For example, it can be either passport, driving license, or national ID.
Proof of valid MOT
You need to show proof of valid MOT.
Insurance certificate
You also have to provide proof of insurance. However, not every insurance policy covers you for the car being impounded. That is why not every insurance policy covers you for the car being impounded. That is why you first need to read and if you are still unsure call your insurance company to know.
What will be the charges for your impounded car?
There are generally also charges before the car can be retrieved. These fees are established by the authorities and depend on the condition of the car.
What happens if you are not the registered owner of the car?
It is the main responsibility of the registered owner to attend the police pound to provide the required documents and pay the fees.
After, the pound staff will consider permitting a nominated driver to collect the impounded car on your behalf. There are only a few circumstances in which the registered owner may be excused.
The obvious reason is that the registered owner is not currently in the UK, in this particular case, an authority letter signed by the registered owner will be required.
The other reason could be the registered owner is in a hospital or in prison. In this instance, an authorization letter will be required.
How to release your impounded car for having no insurance?
If your car was impounded as you were not insured then you find it really difficult to arrange cover. It is because some insurance companies will not cover impounded cars.
Keep note that insurance policies for this purpose are unlikely to come affordable. That is why it is worth shopping around to get the cheapest impounded car insurance. You can also compare impounded car insurance through Release my vehicle.
Every vehicle in the UK should be taxed if it is being kept or parked on public roads. It is being parked on private land, it should have SORN (statutory OFF Road Notification).
If it is not taxed, you are running the risk of your impounded car either being wheel impounded by authorities. Not only will you have to pay the vehicle tax but you could also be charged release charges. If you left it for more than 24 hours, the release charges will be doubled. You should be quick otherwise the charges will rise up really soon.
Release my vehicle is working with one of the top UK insurance providers who will work hard on your behalf to get your car out of an impound. Our experienced team can arrange an insurance quote for you. Our UK-based call centers are open to help you. If you need any type of help, you can always reach us. So, do not waste any time and contact us to get your vehicle out of the impound police pound.
