When a business vehicle is impounded, it’s not always clear who’s allowed to collect it. Many company directors assume they can simply turn up at the pound with identification, but police staff need strict proof that the person claiming the vehicle has the legal right to do so. The rules vary slightly between pounds, yet the basic principle remains: authority must be proven in writing.

Who Can Collect a Business Vehicle

If the impounded car or van is registered to a limited company, the pound will not release it to just anyone. The person collecting it must be able to show that they represent the company — normally a director, company secretary, or another employee with written permission from management. Proof of identity alone isn’t enough; documentation linking the individual to the business is essential.

Most police pounds accept release requests from company directors, provided that the director’s name appears on official company records such as Companies House. In some cases, the pound may contact the business directly to confirm that the director has authority to collect the vehicle.

Documents to Bring

To release a business-owned car, the collector will usually need:

• A company letter on headed paper, signed and dated, confirming the person’s authority to collect the vehicle
• Proof of company ownership (for example, a copy of the V5C logbook showing the business name)
• Photo identification for the collector (such as a driving licence or passport)
• Valid insurance covering the vehicle for impound release
• Driving licence for whoever will drive the vehicle away

It’s also wise to bring a company ID card or a recent utility bill showing the firm’s trading address, particularly if the name on the V5C doesn’t match the collector’s home address.

When the Director Is Not the Driver

Sometimes the person collecting isn’t the one who was driving when the car was seized. That’s fine, as long as the paperwork is in order. If the driver was an employee, the pound may ask for additional evidence — for example, a staff ID card or employment confirmation. The key issue is that the person collecting must have permission from the registered keeper and must hold valid insurance for the journey away from the pound.

If the Vehicle Is Leased or Financed

When a car or van is leased or under finance, the registered keeper on the V5C may be the leasing company, not the business itself. In those cases, the leasing company must supply a letter authorising the director to collect the vehicle on its behalf. Without that, the pound staff legally cannot release it, no matter how urgent the situation feels.

Insurance for Collection

The insurance policy shown must specifically cover the vehicle for impound release. Standard commercial or fleet policies might not be accepted unless they clearly state that impounded vehicles are included. Many directors choose short-term impound cover arranged through a specialist broker to satisfy the pound’s requirements quickly.

Practical Advice

It helps to phone ahead before travelling to the pound. Each site has slightly different procedures, and some require the company authorisation letter to be emailed in advance. Taking time to confirm what’s needed avoids wasted trips and unnecessary delays.

Final Thoughts

A company director can collect a business-owned car from an impound, but only when the right documents are in hand. Proof of identity, proof of company ownership, and clear written authority are essential. Arriving prepared keeps the process smooth and helps the business get back on the road without further interruption.

Check here for more useful information about impounded cars!

Please note: impound rules, collection windows and fee structures are set locally and can change at any time. Details on this site offer a broad outline only and are not guaranteed to match the requirements of any individual pound or authority.