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ImpoundInsurance
Impound Insurance
Had your vehicle seized by police? We help you get the proof of insurance you need to release it, fast.
Had your vehicle seized by police? We help you get the proof of insurance you need to release it, fast.
Enter your vehicle registration
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What is impounded vehicle insurance?
Impounded vehicle insurance provides the proof of cover you need to release a vehicle seized by police, typically under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Most standard policies specifically exclude this use, so a dedicated policy is usually required.
“Over 214,000 vehicles were seized by UK police in 2023, most commonly for no insurance or no valid licence.”
What you’ll usually need:
Valid insurance cover for at least 30 daysPayment for the release and storage feesYour Section 165 seizure noticeThe vehicle’s registration document, if availableA full UK driving licenceMOT certificate, if applicable
Why was your vehicle seized?
Why was your vehicle seized?
The reason for the seizure may point to a related conviction worth checking too.
The reason for the seizure may point to a related conviction worth checking too.
No Insurance (IN10)
Seized for being driven without valid insurance.
No Valid Licence
Seized because the driver held no valid or appropriate licence.
Drink or Drug Driving
Seized following a drink or drug driving arrest. An arrest is not a ban, so the vehicle can usually be released once you are fit to drive.
Driving While Disqualified
Seized after being caught driving during a ban.
Careless or Anti-Social Driving
Seized under police powers for careless or anti-social use of a vehicle.
Not Sure Which Applies?
Check your seizure notice or speak to an adviser to confirm.
What could go wrong and what covers it?
What could go wrong and what covers it?
The situations drivers with an impounded vehicle worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasn’t declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.
The situations drivers with an impounded vehicle worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasn’t declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.
Is impounded vehicle insurance right for you?
This type of cover may be suitable for anyone whose vehicle has been seized by police.
This cover may be suitable for:
Drivers Seized for No InsuranceYoung or New DriversDrivers Seized for No LicenceDrivers With Multiple ConvictionsDrivers With a Recent ConvictionAnyone Facing Release FeesReal-world scenarios. Real-world cover
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with an impounded vehicle, and the cover that responds in each case.
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with an impounded vehicle, and the cover that responds in each case.
Vehicle seized roadside
Police stop you and seize your vehicle for no insurance.
What typically happens
Proof of valid cover needed to release it
Approaching the 14-day limit
You’re close to the deadline to collect your vehicle.
What typically happens
Fast-tracked cover can help you meet the deadline
Standard policy rejected
Your existing insurer confirms your policy doesn’t cover releasing an impounded vehicle.
What typically happens
A specialist short-term policy may be needed
Conviction alongside the seizure
You’re also convicted of the offence that led to the seizure.
What typically happens
Ongoing cover may need a specialist convicted driver insurer
What affects the cost of impounded vehicle insurance?
Impounded vehicle insurance is short-term cover priced on the vehicle, your convictions and licence history, and how quickly you need the policy. Release and storage fees charged by the pound are separate.
Reason for the seizure
No insurance, no licence or a driving offence can each be assessed differently.
Length of cover needed
Most pounds require at least 30 days’ valid insurance to release a vehicle.
How quickly you need cover
Same-day or urgent cover can sometimes cost more than standard timelines.
Level of cover chosen
Third party cover is the minimum most pounds accept for release.
Your driving history overall
Previous convictions or seizures can affect your premium.
Any related conviction
A linked offence like IN10 may need to be factored into your ongoing cover.
Common reasons vehicles are seized
Common reasons vehicles are seized
A quick reference the exact reason on your notice determines what you need next.
A quick reference the exact reason on your notice determines what you need next.
| Reason for seizure | Related code | Typical penalty | What you'll likely need |
|---|---|---|---|
No insurance | IN10 | 6 to 8 points | Impounded vehicle insurance |
No valid licence | LC20 | 3 to 6 points, ban possible | Impound cover and a valid licence |
Driving while disqualified | BA10 | 6 points, ban possible | Specialist impound cover |
Drink or drug driving | DR10 / DR80 | 12 month ban minimum | Impounded vehicle insurance, once you are fit to drive |
Anti-social use | No endorsement | None | Impound cover, a section 59 warning may be on record |
How the quote process works
How the quote process works
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
1
Tell us why the vehicle was impounded
Usually no insurance or no licence plus the date and where it’s being held.
2
Tell us about you and your vehicle
Your age, driving history, and the vehicle you want to insure.
3
We find impound accepted cover
Pounds require a specific kind of policy before release. We source insurers who provide it.
4
Get your vehicle released
We issue cover quickly so you can reclaim the vehicle before storage charges build up.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to 20+ specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
Impounded vehicle insights & guides
Impounded vehicle insights & guides
Practical advice on vehicle seizure, release fees and getting back on the road.
Practical advice on vehicle seizure, release fees and getting back on the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about impounded vehicle insurance and vehicle seizure.
Find quick answers to common questions about impounded vehicle insurance and vehicle seizure.
Impounded vehicle insurance is cover that provides valid proof of insurance to release a vehicle seized by police, typically under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Still have questions?
Our advisers are here to help you find the right solution.
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