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Why impounded vehicles need specialist insurance
Most standard temporary or annual policies are not accepted by police or council pounds. Release rules usually require a certificate that is specifically valid for collecting a seized vehicle, with immediate cover in place and the correct wording. Only a small group of insurers and brokers provide this type of policy, which is why people often struggle to find suitable cover at short notice.
UK insurers and brokers known for offering impound-release cover
The following companies are recognised in the UK market for providing policies designed for releasing vehicles from a pound. Availability varies, and each provider has its own eligibility rules, but these are the main names most drivers encounter:
- GoShorty – offers 30-day impound-release insurance for cars and vans.
- Dash Insurance – provides impound-specific cover including options for non-standard licences.
- Briefly (part of a wider group associated with Acorn Insurance) – issues fixed-term impound-release policies.
- Mustard – lists impound-appropriate temporary cover from specialist insurers on its platform.
- Howden Insurance – includes impound-vehicle cover within its specialist motor products.
These providers differ from ordinary temporary insurers because their policies are written specifically to satisfy release requirements. Most will not issue one-day policies for impound situations, because police pounds usually insist on a minimum 30-day term.
What to check before choosing a policy
Before travelling to the pound, review the policy details carefully so the certificate is accepted without problems. Key things to check include:
- Wording that clearly allows collection of a vehicle from a pound.
- An immediate start time rather than a future start date.
- A minimum duration of around 30 days, which most pounds expect.
- Accurate keeper and driver information matching DVLA records.
- A licence category that fits the vehicle you intend to drive away.
- Confirmation that the policy is valid for impounded vehicles and not a general temporary policy.
Pounds look closely at the certificate, and small errors can lead to a refusal even if the policy is genuine. Checking everything in advance helps avoid unexpected delays and further storage charges.
Eligibility limits you might encounter
Impound-specialist insurers often have stricter rules than mainstream providers. For example, some do not cover drivers under a certain age. Others decline applicants with recent policy cancellations. Policies may only be available to UK residents, or only for UK-registered vehicles. Non-UK licence holders can sometimes obtain cover, but availability depends on the provider.
Because these insurers deal with higher-risk situations, pricing is usually higher than for ordinary temporary cover. Even so, their policies are often the quickest route to meeting the pound’s release requirements when driving the vehicle away is allowed.
When a recovery truck is still required
Even with the correct insurance in place, the pound might not allow you to drive the car away if it is unsafe, damaged or judged unroadworthy. If the vehicle has dangerous defects, was stopped because of mechanical faults, or cannot legally be driven due to MOT or tax restrictions, you may need a transporter instead. Recovery operators use their own insurance, which pounds normally accept without issue.
Bringing it all together
Only a small number of insurers offer policies specifically for releasing impounded vehicles, and they each apply strict rules on wording, duration and eligibility. Providers such as GoShorty, Dash Insurance, Briefly, Mustard and Howden Insurance are among the better-known names in this area. Choosing the right policy, checking all details carefully and arranging cover before you travel helps keep the release process straightforward and prevents avoidable delays or extra fees.
Impound processes, time limits and costs vary widely across the UK, and authorities can amend their rules at any time. Information on this site is intended as a general overview and should not be relied on as definitive for any specific impound location.