If your car has been impounded by the police and other authorities, you will need impounded car insurance to release it. Here is what you need to know.
Every year, thousands of drivers in the UK have their cars impounded by police for offenses such as driving dangerously or driving without insurance. Even if the offense was not intentional, this knowledge will do a bit to soothe frayed nerves when you come to know your car is doing time in the police pound.
On top of the car release charges, plus any penalty or charges for the offense itself, you will probably also need to purchase a special form of insurance known as impounded car insurance to release your car. Here is the reason standard car insurance often will not be enough and how can you get the coverage you need.
What is impounded car insurance?
It is a type of insurance that provides cover if your car has been impounded. If this is the case, you will be required to provide proof of insurance to get your car released. Some standard insurance policies might include cover for impounded cars as standards but most don’t. If your current policy does not include this cover, you will be required to add it to your policy or take out a specialist impounded car insurance policy on top of your existing cover.
Why do the cars get impounded?
The police and other authorities have all the power to impound vehicles and take them to the pound if certain offenses have been committed. Reasons for your car being impounded can include the following:
- If the vehicle is illegally parked
- Unable to have valid car insurance
- Not paying road tax when required
- Driven by someone without a valid driving license
- Abandoning your car
- Causing distress
- Parked on public roads
- Parked on private land without a SORN (statutory Off Road Notification)
Difference between standard insurance and impounded car insurance?
Standard car insurance cover is designed to provide you with protection to drive and park your car on public roads. It is legally required to have a minimum of third-party car insurance. Which covers any harm you might cause to third-party and their property.
However, standard insurance is not primarily intended to cover cars that are impounded because of offenses. As a result, most standard insurance policies will not include cover for cars that have been impounded. If your policy does not include this coverage, then our impounded car insurance coverage can fill this gap. You will be required to show proof that you have appropriate cover in place valid for a minimum of 30 days to release your impounded vehicle from the pound.
You might be required a specialist impounded car insurance. As you did not have insurance for it in the first place as you accidentally missed a renewal date. If so, you will almost certainly require a specific policy to get it retrieved. You are most likely to find it difficult to take out a standard insurance policy. If your vehicle is already impounded.
