Ryan Barham
Last updated: 22/10/2025
Having your car clamped and then towed away is, at best, an inconvenience but can also lead to hefty fines and potentially even losing your car. Nobody wants to find themselves in this situation but if you do, you’ll want to know what to do to get your car back and avoid it being seized.
There’s a whole legal process to go through but this can be a quick, albeit expensive, process. It’s important to stay calm and follow the government guidance if you want to reclaim your car.
If you’ve ever worried about what you’d have to do if your car was impounded, read on…
If you break any of the following, you could face your vehicle being impounded:
Vehicles involved in crimes or abandoned after incidents (you’ll have seen parked cars in the middle of large roundabouts or on the side of the road with the ‘police aware’ signage) can also be impounded.
If you find your car impounded, you will receive a police seizure notice. This will explain the reasons why your car has been impounded and confirm the location of the vehicle. It is likely to be found at a secure impound lot, possibly near a police station.
To retrieve your vehicle, you will have to fill in the relevant paperwork and provide the following:
You must visit the designated impound within seven working days of the seizure notice.
Once at the impound lot, you must present the necessary documentation and pay any remaining fees.
If you are unable to collect your car in person, you can send someone else to collect the vehicle with a signed letter of authorisation, a copy of your ID and valid impound insurance which permits them to drive the vehicle.
You will have to pay a release fee. These tend to start at approximately £200 but this will vary depending on the vehicle’s weight and condition
Storage charges start at £20 per day. You might also have to hire a recovery service to transport your vehicle away from the impound lot if it isn’t roadworthy.
If you do not reclaim your vehicle within the time specified, it may be disposed of via scrapping or an auction.
Although you may feel it’s unlikely your vehicle will be impounded, there is always a chance it could happen to you so it’s best to stay vigilant and ensure your vehicle adheres to legal standards.
Getting a car out of impound is a costly and time-consuming process that you could do without. By driving and parking safely and making sure you have the right tax and impound insurance, you can keep your vehicle safe and on the road.
Can someone collect a car on your behalf? The short answer is yes, but you’re going to need to take out named driver impound insurance for them to do this, which is something Tempcover does not currently offer.
This insurance policy is specially designed for situations where the registered keeper (also referred to as the policyholder) is unable to drive. As mentioned, this may be due to a ban or you’re possibly a non-UK licence holder who has been in the UK for over a year.
There are some strict rules upon collection, governed by both the insurer and impound lot. It might be the case that you, as the policyholder, have to attend the impound lot to sign and complete any necessary paperwork - and pay the fees.
If you are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances (e.g. you’re abroad, in a hospital or banned, the lot may allow the named driver to collect the vehicle along, but it’s likely they’ll need pre-authorisation and all necessary documentation on their person. Read the policy carefully before making arrangements.
Please note Tempcover does not currently offer named driver impound insurance.
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Temporary Car InsuranceDriving AdviceIf you opt not to reclaim your impounded vehicle and sign the disclaimer, the police will dispose of it, either by scrapping or auctioning. Consequently, you're relieved from its tax and insurance responsibilities. Note, the decision is irreversible once the disclaimer is signed.
In the UK, police can impound your car if it's deemed to cause alarm, harassment, or distress through careless driving. It may also be seized if suspected of being driven without the required licence or insurance. To avoid this, always ensure you're insured and drive responsibly.
If your car is impounded, it's seized, typically by police, and stored in an impound lot due to reasons such as illegal activity, lack of insurance or licence, or obstruction. To reclaim, provide proof of ownership, insurance, a valid licence, and pay towing and storage costs. Unretrieved cars may be auctioned or scrapped. Act promptly if your car is impounded.
If your car is impounded, the police will notify you. To retrieve it, present your passport or driving licence, V5C log book, valid motor insurance and MOT certificates, and address proof at the impound lot. You must pay removal, storage, potential disposal charges, and any penalty notices. If uncollected within roughly 14 days, your car may be sold or disposed.
In the UK, retrieving an impounded car requires a valid motor insurance certificate specifically for impounded vehicles, regardless of whether you'll drive it on public roads. This is a legal requirement and cannot be bypassed. Temporary car insurance could provide short-term cover if needed. Remember, driving uninsured is illegal and carries serious consequences.
Releasing your car from impound incurs a removal fee (approximately £20), daily storage charges (£20-£55+), and any vehicle fines or PCNs. Costs may vary based on location and case details. Required documents include proof of identity, ownership, insurance, and an MOT. Untaxed vehicles may incur a refundable surety fee. Uncollected cars risk disposal after roughly 35 days. Confirm payment methods at the pound beforehand to avoid surprises.
If your car is impounded, you can reclaim it. Upon readiness for collection, you'll receive a notice. At the impound, present proof of identity and vehicle ownership, and pay any relevant charges. Be aware, costs for impounded vehicles can be substantial.
If your car is impounded, you require a specific temporary insurance, known as compound or impound insurance, to reclaim it. Regular car insurance typically doesn't cover this, necessitating a special 30-day policy. To retrieve your car, present this insurance, proof of ownership, a valid driving licence, identity proof, an MOT certificate (if needed), and proof of road tax or a surety fee.
Releasing your impounded car's cost varies, influenced by factors like location and duration of impoundment. Fees are approximately around £200 and can increase rapidly if the car is held for days. Valid car insurance is required to retrieve your car, with temporary car insurance offering a quick, flexible solution, enabling prompt release and return to the road.
To prevent your car from being towed, park legally. Modern towing equipment, including flatbed trucks and winches, can manoeuvre your vehicle regardless of parking technique. Your best defence against towing is understanding and adhering to local parking regulations. This ensures you park confidently, safeguarding your car from towing.
Automatic cars require engine-driven lubrication, hence towing with the engine off can cause severe damage due to improper lubrication of gears. Towing is not advisable for automatic vehicles; consider alternatives such as using a recovery vehicle to prevent potential damage and maintain your car's condition.
In the UK, another person can retrieve your impounded car if they have your authorisation letter, a copy of your ID, valid motor insurance, and a driving licence. Ensure your vehicle is tax-compliant and all fees are paid. Requirements may differ between police forces, so contact them for exact details. Proof of your inability to collect may be needed.
A named driver can retrieve an impounded car if they hold a valid driving licence and have car insurance that permits them to reclaim a seized vehicle from a police pound. Ensure they meet these requirements to avoid legal issues or further complications. Always check they have the correct documents before they collect your impounded car.
Impound insurance is expensive due to high-risk factors associated with vehicle impoundment. The temporary nature of the insurance, typically 30 days, and its aim to meet minimum legal requirements contribute to the cost. The impound process cost, personal factors like age, driving record, and the impoundment incident also influence the insurance price.
In the UK, if your car is impounded, you'll receive a letter detailing collection instructions and storage location. Prompt action is vital to recover your vehicle. Temporary car insurance may be required to drive it from the pound. Understanding and complying with these guidelines ensures efficient resolution.
Contact your local police within seven days of receiving a car seizure notice and visit the specified pound with your driving licence, V5C logbook, insurance certificate, and proof of address. Pay removal and storage charges to reclaim your car. If a third party is retrieving your car, they need an authority letter from you, their driving licence, and insurance certificate.
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Temporary Car InsuranceDriving Advice