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Who is allowed to collect a fleet vehicle
When a fleet vehicle is seized, the pound usually expects someone with clear authority from the company to attend. That person must show strong photo ID and paperwork confirming the company’s entitlement to the vehicle. Pounds are cautious with corporate vehicles, so they will only release the vehicle to a company representative whose details they can verify.
Documents a company representative normally needs
The usual starting point is evidence of the company’s connection to the vehicle. This can include the V5C if the company is the registered keeper, fleet management records, lease or contract hire documents and corporate identification that matches the business name. Many firms bring a letter of authority on company headed paper, signed by a director or fleet manager, naming the person collecting the vehicle. Pounds still carry out their own checks, but a clear letter helps the process run more smoothly.
Insurance requirements for fleet vehicles at release
Fleet policies differ widely, but a key issue remains the same: the pound will only release a vehicle for road use if the insurance certificate clearly covers impounded-vehicle release. Standard fleet cover often does not include this, even when the business has “any authorised driver” terms. If the pound cannot confirm that the policy is suitable, the vehicle will not be driven out.
This is why some businesses arrange a specialist impound-release policy for the authorised driver. Temporary policies of a few days are not accepted, because they do not cover seized vehicles. The minimum for this type of cover normally begins at thirty days. Whether the driver is an employee, fleet manager or external contractor, the documentation must match their details and be active at the moment of collection.
When the vehicle is leased or on contract hire
If the fleet vehicle belongs to a leasing company, the pound may require extra verification. The person collecting the vehicle often needs a letter of authority from the lease provider as well as authorisation from the business using the vehicle. The pound checks this because the registered keeper shown on the DVLA database is usually the leasing company, not the operator. Without the correct letters and ID, release is normally refused.
Tax, MOT and roadworthiness checks
The usual release conditions still apply. If the fleet vehicle is untaxed, the pound may require tax to be arranged immediately or ask for a deposit depending on local procedures. If the vehicle needs an MOT, the pound will expect evidence that it is either valid, exempt or booked for a test. In addition, pounds can refuse release by road if they believe the vehicle is unsafe. Businesses with larger fleets sometimes choose recovery transport instead, especially if the vehicle requires workshop attention.
Paying fees and understanding time limits
Statutory release and storage fees apply to fleet vehicles just as they do to private cars. Storage runs in twenty-four-hour chargeable periods, so the cost can build quickly if the vehicle is left in the pound. The company representative must settle all fees before release. Time limits for claiming and collecting vehicles are strict, and disposal can begin if those limits pass. Neither company size nor fleet status changes these deadlines.
Using a specialist recovery company
If driving the vehicle out is not practical or the insurance position is unclear, a specialist vehicle recovery company can normally collect it instead. The pound still requires identification, authority documents and payment of fees before they allow the vehicle to leave on a transporter. This option is often used for larger vans, damaged vehicles or those that need inspection before returning to duty.
Bringing the steps together
Recovering an impounded fleet vehicle usually involves company authority documents, strong ID, suitable impound-release insurance and prompt payment of all fees. The exact paperwork depends on whether the vehicle is owned outright, leased or hired, but the pound follows the same release rules for all fleet operators. Preparation before attending the site is the simplest way to avoid delays, especially where multiple parties such as lease providers, fleet managers and drivers are involved.
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.