How to Retrieve An Impounded Car

Finding out that your car has been impounded can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, understanding the steps to retrieve your impounded car can make the process significantly less daunting. This article will guide you through what you need to do to get your vehicle back and on the road again.

Step 1: Understand the Reasons Why Your Car Was Impounded

The first step in retrieving your impounded car is to understand why it was seized in the first place. Cars can be impounded for several reasons in the UK, including driving without insurance, tax, or a valid driver's licence, or being illegally parked.

The police or local authorities are required to provide you with a seizure notice at the time of impoundment or send it to your home address. This notice will contain the details of the offence and the reasons for the seizure.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

To retrieve your car from the impound lot, you'll need to present several documents. These typically include:

• Proof of identity: A valid photo driving licence will usually suffice.
• Proof of ownership: This can be a logbook (V5C) or a new keeper slip from a logbook if you've just bought the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: This must be valid policy that covers driving an impounded vehicle. Most don't!
• Proof of taxation: You must show that your car is taxed. If it isn't, you'll need to tax it, or provide a deposit, before it can be released.

Ensure all the documents are current and valid to avoid any further delays.

Step 3: Obtain Impounded Car Insurance

If your car was impounded due to lack of insurance, you'll need to secure an impounded car insurance policy. This is a specialised type of insurance designed to cover vehicles that have been seized and impounded.

Remember that standard car insurance policies usually do not cover impounded vehicles, so ensure the policy you purchase is specifically for impounded cars. It's also worth noting that this type of insurance is typically short-term, often providing coverage for 30 days.

Step 4: Pay the Impound Fees

Before you can get your car back, you'll need to pay certain fees associated with the impoundment. These usually include a release fee and storage charges. The release fee varies, but it's typically in the region of £192 - £200. In addition, there's a daily charge for storing the vehicle, which can range from £10 - £50 per day.

It's really important to act promptly, as vehicles not reclaimed within a certain period (usually 14 days) could be sold or scrapped.

Step 5: Visit the Impound Lot

With your documents in order, insurance in place, and fees paid, you can now visit the impound lot to reclaim your car. Ensure you bring all necessary documents and proof of payments. Once the authorities at the impound lot have verified your documentation and payments, your vehicle should be released to you.

Step 6: Arrange for Standard Car Insurance

After retrieving your car, you need to arrange for standard car insurance coverage promptly. Remember that impounded car insurance typically provides short-term cover, so you'll need to secure ongoing insurance to continue driving legally.

Step 7: Prevent Future Impoundment

Finally, it's important to take steps to prevent future car impoundment. Ensure that your vehicle is always properly insured and taxed, you hold a valid driver's licence, and you abide by all parking regulations and road laws.

The Most Important Step

If your car is impounded, it's important to act promptly. Swift action can help limit storage fees and prevent the disposal of your vehicle. Always bear in mind that the professionals at the impound lot, your insurance broker, and legal professionals can provide valuable assistance during this process, and don't hesitate to seek their guidance if necessary.