When a car’s been taken to a police or DVLA pound, ordinary car insurance isn’t enough to get it back. Pounds require a very specific type of policy called impounded-car insurance. It looks similar to regular motor cover, but it includes legal wording that confirms the car is insured for immediate use after release. Without it, the pound staff are not allowed to hand the vehicle over.

Why normal car insurance won’t do

Standard car insurance policies are designed for everyday use, not for recovering seized vehicles. They don’t usually include the statutory wording that police need to see before releasing an impounded car. Even if your old policy was still active, the pound may reject it if the database doesn’t show the vehicle as insured or if the certificate doesn’t match the release requirements.

When the police impound a car for being uninsured or used unlawfully, they must see proof of valid cover before allowing it back on the road. That proof must come from a recognised insurer and clearly show that the policy covers the person collecting the vehicle to drive it legally from the pound. A regular annual or temporary policy might not satisfy that condition.

How impound insurance differs

Impound-specific policies are written to meet Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act, which governs the release of seized vehicles. They confirm that the vehicle is covered for immediate road use and that the policyholder has driving entitlement. The certificate is accepted at police compounds and uploaded promptly to the Motor Insurance Database (MID) so officers can verify it electronically.

Most impound policies are short-term, lasting between 30 and 60 days. That’s enough time to collect the car, drive it home, and arrange standard insurance afterwards. They are issued by authorised insurers and brokers who understand pound procedures and ensure the wording complies with UK law.

When you’ll definitely need one

• If the car was seized for no insurance or being driven by someone not named on a policy.
• If your previous insurer cancelled the policy after the seizure.
• If the pound insists on a certificate specifically stating “impounded vehicle cover.”
• If you are not the original policyholder and are collecting the car on behalf of someone else.

Even if you believe your normal cover was valid, the pound will usually only accept an impound-specific certificate because it simplifies verification and removes uncertainty about policy terms.

Who can issue this insurance

Only certain UK insurers and brokers are authorised to sell impounded-car insurance. They’re familiar with police procedures and can issue certificates that meet all release conditions. Applications can be completed online or by phone, but you’ll need to provide the vehicle registration, driver’s licence details, and the pound’s reference number. Most policies can start immediately once payment is made.

What happens if you try without it

Turning up at a pound with the wrong policy usually leads to a wasted trip. Staff will refuse to release the vehicle, and you’ll continue paying storage charges until the correct cover is shown. In some cases, if the car isn’t collected within the statutory period, it may be disposed of or scrapped — all because the paperwork wasn’t right.

Final note

You need special impounded-car insurance because police pounds can only release vehicles once proof of legally valid cover is presented. Standard or temporary insurance might not include the required wording or MID confirmation. Arranging the correct policy before visiting the pound ensures smooth release, avoids extra storage fees, and gets your car back on the road legally and without delay.

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.