If a car is damaged or written off while it’s in an impound, it creates an awkward situation — particularly when it was already seized by the police, DVLA, or a council. Responsibility for the damage depends on how and when it happened, and whether the pound or its contractors were negligent. In most cases, a written-off impounded car is treated as an unclaimed or unrecoverable vehicle and may be disposed of under statutory rules. However, you still have rights and options depending on the circumstances.

Confirming what actually happened

First, establish the facts. Ask the pound manager for a written report describing what damage occurred, how it was discovered, and whether an incident log was made. Some vehicles are written off because of existing damage from the crash or recovery that caused the impound in the first place. Others suffer new damage during towing, storage, or vandalism. The distinction matters when assessing liability.

You have the right to request photographs or inspection details. Larger pounds record the condition of every car when it arrives, so it should be clear whether the vehicle was damaged beforehand or during storage.

If the car was already written off before arrival

If the police impounded a car after a collision, and it was already structurally unsafe or deemed a total loss by your insurer, the pound’s job is simply to hold it temporarily. You’ll need to tell your insurer where the vehicle is stored so they can arrange collection by an authorised salvage agent. Storage and recovery fees still apply until the insurer or you formally take possession.

Once the insurer confirms the write-off category (A, B, S, or N), the vehicle will either be scrapped or repaired depending on its classification. The pound can release it directly to the insurer or their agent once authorised in writing by the registered keeper.

If the vehicle was damaged while in storage

When a car is written off due to an incident at the pound — for example, from another vehicle being moved, a fire, flooding, or careless handling — you can submit a claim for compensation. Start by writing to the pound’s operator (often a recovery contractor working for the police or DVLA). Include photographs, proof of ownership, and any earlier images showing the car’s prior condition.

Compensation claims depend on proof of negligence. Pounds are not automatically liable for every dent or scratch, but they do have a duty of care to store vehicles safely. If they can’t show that reasonable precautions were taken, liability may rest with them or their insurers. If the pound denies responsibility, the matter may need to be settled through the small-claims process.

What happens to the vehicle afterwards

If the car is confirmed as a total loss, it will normally be sent to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) for scrapping or disposal. You can choose to:

• release it to your insurer (if you’ve made a claim),
• arrange private scrappage through a licensed recycler, or
• sign a disposal form allowing the pound to handle it directly.

Make sure the DVLA is notified of the write-off by sending the relevant section of the V5C logbook or confirming the insurer has done it for you. Until that update is processed, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle.

Costs and refunds

Unfortunately, even if the car is beyond repair, removal and storage charges up to the point of disposal usually still apply. You can challenge these fees if the pound was at fault for the damage, but otherwise they remain payable under the statutory seizure rules. Your insurer may reimburse these costs if they accept a claim for the damage.

Final note

If your car is written off while impounded, gather written confirmation from the pound immediately and contact your insurer. Establish whether the damage happened before or after seizure, and ensure the DVLA is notified once the vehicle is scrapped or transferred. Even when the car is a total loss, handling the paperwork promptly protects you from further storage charges or future liability.

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.