What Happens When a Car is Impounded By the Police?
The police and other authorities can impound a car if they have reasonable reasons to assume that the car is being driven by a person. Who is not insured or is driving without a valid driving license? The usual way that this happens is when the car passes a mobile camera road. That reads the number plate details; these are compared to a central database of all the UK car insurance policies.
If no insurance policy is registered to the car, the fact is sent to the authorities. Often this is done as a major part of planned work. The police will probably pick a road on which it is reasonably easy to stop a car. That is generally one in which there is a low limit of speed (30mph). A camera will be placed in a position where they can easily assess the conditions and more officers are stationed on the road to catch suspects.
Don’t Get Towed: Carry Proof of Insurance
First, you will have to know about it will be when you are caught by a police officer. Who will likely ask you to generate proof that you are insured and license? And if you are unable to produce this proof the car is likely to be impound. It will then be loaded on a tow truck and taken away to the police pound; you should then be provided with an impound notice. Which spells out the steps you have to take to release your vehicle.
Unless you have a valid reason for requiring transport, such as being elderly, having a medical situation, or carrying children as passengers, it will depend on your commitment to finding your car release. If there are any valuable items in the car, you would be well advised to take them with you at this stage. If your car is eventually auctioned or scrapped, these may meet the same fate. If you can’t remove these quickly, you should visit the police pound ASAP to do so. Even if you can’t remove the car itself.
Why Do the Police Impound Vehicles?
There are many reasons your car may have been impound and many authorities like police and other authorities including DVLA have the power to impound your car under specific conditions.
The police may impound your car after pulling you over if they have valid reasons to think that the car is being driven in a manner. That causes distress or harassment. In addition, if the car is being driven without insurance or an invalid driving license, parking on public roads. Or parked on private land without a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), illegally parking. They can also impound a car if it is being driven by someone who does not have a valid license or the minimum third-party insurance.
How Do You Release an Impounded Car?
To release an impounded car, you will generally be required to provide documentation to prove that you are the registered owner of the car as well as proof that the car is road-legal. The exact proof needed can differ depending on the pound so it is good to call ahead to check. You will need the following documents to release an impounded car:
- Proof of valid insurance
- A valid MOT certificate
- Proof that you are the registered owner of the car
Keep in mind that your standard car insurance policy will not be enough to retrieve an impounded car, as most standard insurance policies don’t cover impounded vehicles. Impounded car insurance is a high-risk market and expensive in most cases. Therefore, you must have specialist insurance in place if your car has been impounded.
Impounded Car Insurance
Some insurance policies cover impounded cars, but most do not. You need to check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to confirm if you can release the car. If your insurance policy does not cover impounded cars, you can take out a specialist impounded vehicle policy.
You should shop around for policies, as some will offer a quick cover around the clock. Which means you will be able to get the documentation you need right away.
A driver with a driving conviction of any type, driving or otherwise, will find it harder to find reasonably priced car insurance. Then someone with a neat and clean driving record. Some insurance providers stay away from anyone with driving convictions, no matter how minor. The company will refuse to provide cover altogether.
You can contact us to release your impounded car. Our UK-based call centers are always open to help you. Our experienced staff is always on hand to help you in tough conditions. Contact us right now, and our team will be more than happy to assist you and arrange the cheapest impounded car insurance quotes for you.