The Top Reasons Cars Get Impounded in the UK
There are many reasons why cars get impounded in the UK, such as offences like driving with no insurance or illegally parking. If your car gets impounded, then you’ll need to get impounded car insurance in order to get it back and make it legal to drive. In this guide, you’ll learn the top reasons that cars get impounded as well as information on how impounded car insurance works.
Key points
How Do You Get An Impounded Car Back?
- Contact your local police station: They will be able to tell you the location of your car as well as any steps you’ll need to take to have it released, such as paying the applicable fine.
- Provide proof of ownership and your identity: You’ll need to prove the car belongs to, so you’ll need ID as well as ownership documents.
- Get impounded car insurance: You’ll also need to have impounded car insurance to make it road legal when you pick it up.

What are the main reasons cars get impounded in the UK?
The most common reasons for cars getting impounded are:
- Dangerous driving: This doesn’t just mean speeding but driving in any way that is deemed to be reckless and causes danger to other road users or members of the public.
- Illegal parking: Parking illegally is a very common reason that cars get impounded.
- Lack of tax: Driving without valid tax is an offence and many cars are impounded for this reason.
- Lack of insurance: A surprising number of drivers drive without insurance and when caught, they’re likely to have their vehicle seized.
- Abandoned vehicle: Some cars are left abandoned and this usually results in them being impounded.
- Drink driving: Drivers who are caught driving under the influence will usually have their cars impounded too.
Why is impounded car insurance necessary?
You’ll need to show that you have insurance in order to get your car back, so it’s necessary to get impounded car insurance since many regular car insurance policies don’t cover you if your car has been impounded.
How long will I be covered for?
A typical impounded car insurance policy will cover you for 30 days.
In Summary
- Cars are usually impounded for some type of motoring offence, whether it’s dangerous driving, parking illegally or not having valid tax or insurance
- Impounded car insurance will provide you with the cover you need so you can get your car back
- You’ll need to show proof of identity as well as ownership to have your car released
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