It’s fairly common for a vehicle to be seized when the person driving it isn’t the legal owner. The police only care about who was using the car at the time — not whose name is on the logbook — and if the driver was uninsured or in breach of licence conditions, the car can be impounded on the spot. What happens next depends on the relationship between the driver and the registered keeper, and whether either party can provide the right paperwork.

Who has the right to collect the vehicle?

In most cases, only the registered keeper — the person named on the V5C logbook — is allowed to collect the car from the pound. The driver who caused the impound can’t usually do so unless they are also the registered keeper. This rule prevents disputes about ownership and ensures that the vehicle goes back to its lawful custodian.

However, if the keeper cannot attend in person, it may be possible to authorise another person to collect the vehicle. This requires written consent, proof of identity for both parties, and the original V5C or new keeper slip. The pound will not release the car to anyone without this paperwork.

What the driver can do

If you were the driver but not the owner, you cannot claim the vehicle yourself. You can, however, assist the keeper by providing details of the impound location and the paperwork given to you by police. In some cases, you might also be responsible for paying the release fees, particularly if your actions caused the seizure.

If the car was borrowed or lent informally, the keeper will need to prove to the pound that they are the rightful owner. This usually means showing the V5C logbook, insurance, photo ID, and any correspondence from the pound or police confirming the seizure.

Insurance complications

The biggest obstacle in these situations is usually insurance. Even if the keeper wants to collect the car, they’ll need valid impound-release insurance that lists their name and the exact vehicle registration. The policy must be arranged in the keeper’s name, not the driver’s. A policy taken out by the driver for the same car will not be accepted unless they’re the registered keeper and policyholder.

Some insurers specialise in temporary impound cover for this purpose. The keeper can arrange this online or through an authorised broker, then present the certificate at the pound to confirm eligibility for release.

When the keeper lives elsewhere

If the registered keeper is abroad or lives far away, they can authorise a UK-based representative to collect the car on their behalf. This usually requires a signed letter of authority, copies of the keeper’s passport or driving licence, and proof of insurance in the representative’s name. Each pound has its own rules, so it’s best to call in advance to confirm exactly what they’ll accept.

If no one claims the car

If neither the driver nor the registered keeper arranges collection within the required time, the pound may dispose of the vehicle after the statutory holding period. It can be scrapped or sold at auction to recover costs. Once that happens, the previous keeper has no further legal claim to the car or its value.

Final note

If you were driving a car that was impounded but don’t own it, you can’t recover it yourself. The registered keeper must take the lead — with valid ID, proof of ownership, and correct insurance. If they’re abroad or unavailable, a representative may collect the car on their behalf with written consent and proper documentation. Acting quickly and keeping communication open with the pound helps prevent the vehicle from being permanently lost.

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.