Having your car impounded can be stressful, especially if it happens suddenly and you’re unsure what to do next. The good news is that there’s a clear process to follow. Acting quickly and gathering the right paperwork makes all the difference between getting your car back within a day and losing it altogether.

Confirm where your car is being held

The first step is to find out exactly where the car has been taken. If the police seized it, contact the non-emergency number 101 and quote your vehicle registration. They’ll tell you which pound it’s stored in and provide a reference number. If it was removed by the DVLA or local council, the notice letter or clamp sticker usually lists a helpline and address.

Keep that information safe — you’ll need it when arranging insurance and paying the release fee. Pounds will not discuss details without proof of ownership or an official reference.

Gather the documents you’ll need

Before visiting the pound, make sure you have all the required documents. These usually include:

• Photo ID such as a driving licence or passport
• Proof of ownership (V5C logbook or sales receipt)
• A valid insurance certificate covering impound release
• Proof of tax or a declaration if the car will be recovered on a trailer

Missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays. If you don’t have the V5C logbook, you can sometimes use the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the previous owner, but it’s best to confirm this with the pound in advance.

Arrange suitable impound insurance

A normal car insurance policy won’t usually be accepted for release. You’ll need a specialist impounded-car insurance policy that clearly states it covers vehicle release. These policies are available online or by phone, and authorised advisors can explain what documentation will be accepted. Once arranged, keep both the digital and printed certificate for presentation at the pound.

Check the car’s condition before driving away

When collecting your vehicle, inspect it carefully. Take photos of all sides, check the interior and the tyres, and look for any existing damage or missing parts before signing the release form. If something appears wrong, raise it immediately with pound staff rather than after leaving the site.

Be aware of time limits

You normally have a limited period, often seven to fourteen days, to collect your car. After that, storage fees increase sharply, and the vehicle may be sold or destroyed. Contact the pound as soon as possible, even if you’re still waiting for paperwork or insurance confirmation — this helps them record your intent to collect.

Practical next steps

Once your car is released, ensure it remains legally compliant. That means valid insurance, tax, and MOT before driving anywhere beyond the pound’s gate. If the vehicle isn’t roadworthy, use a recovery truck instead. Many people choose to switch to a standard annual policy afterwards to avoid future complications.

Final note

If your car’s been impounded, the best first steps are simple: find out where it is, get the right paperwork together, and arrange compliant impound insurance. With those in order, you’ll be able to reclaim the car efficiently and avoid escalating fees or further penalties.

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.