Why losing the keys complicates the release process

When a car is held in a police or council pound, the usual expectation is that the keeper arrives with identification, insurance and any keys needed to move the vehicle. If the keys are missing, the process becomes more awkward because pound staff cannot help unlock, start or manoeuvre the car for you. They also cannot allow anyone to break into the vehicle on site. The car must leave the pound safely and lawfully, and you need to plan ahead so the visit doesn’t end in a wasted trip.

Confirm whether the vehicle is driveable without keys

Unless you have a working key, you won’t be allowed to drive the vehicle away yourself. Even if the car is roadworthy and fully insured, the pound must ensure the exit is safe and that the driver is in proper control. Without a key, that is not possible. This leaves two realistic options: arrange a specialist vehicle recovery company or bring a qualified, insured locksmith able to work within the pound’s rules.

Before attending, contact the pound and explain the situation. Pound staff deal with lost-key cases frequently and can confirm whether they permit locksmiths on site and what identification the locksmith must bring. Some pounds restrict certain types of work, so getting clarity first saves time and extra storage fees.

Option 1: Use a specialist recovery company

This is the most straightforward route for most people. A professional recovery operator can load the vehicle onto a flatbed even if it cannot be unlocked or started. Their own insurance covers the transport, so you do not need drive-away cover for this step. You still need to attend with identification, proof of keeper details, and payment for the impound charges, but the operator handles the physical removal.

Many keepers choose this option because it avoids the difficulty and cost of replacement keys before leaving the pound. Once the car is at home or at a garage, you can arrange new keys in your own time, with no daily storage fees accumulating.

Option 2: Bring a qualified locksmith to the pound

Some pounds allow automotive locksmiths to attend the site, but the rules vary. If permitted, the locksmith can create or program a new key, or gain access without damaging the vehicle. You will need to show proof of ownership, and the locksmith must often show identification and evidence of their professional status.

Two points matter here:

• The pound will not allow unauthorised forced entry.
• The locksmith must complete the work safely and without disrupting pound operations.

If a new key is produced on site and the vehicle is roadworthy, you can drive it away once insured. If the cost or time required to produce a new key is significant, recovery may still be the better option.

Insurance requirements still apply

Even with missing keys, the pound cannot release an impounded car for road use unless you show valid insurance that is active immediately and acceptable under impound rules. This could be an existing annual policy, a new annual policy or a short-term impound-release policy. If you plan to use a recovery company, you usually do not need drive-away cover, because the transporter is insured for the movement.

If you intend to drive the car home with a newly created key, check that:

• the policy is already active at the time of collection
• the insured driver is present with photo ID
• the vehicle is roadworthy and safe

If the car has significant damage or dangerous defects, the pound may refuse road release regardless of the key situation.

Other documents you’ll need

Keys or no keys, the paperwork requirements stay the same. You’ll usually need:

• Photo ID
• The V5C logbook or a valid new keeper slip
• The police seizure notice
• Payment for removal and storage charges
• An insurance certificate if you intend to drive away

A recovery operator or locksmith will also need identification and any paperwork the pound requests.

Costs to expect

Losing the keys doesn’t remove the standard impound fees. You still pay the regulated removal charge and daily storage. Additional costs may include:

• locksmith work
• key programming or cutting
• cost of recovery if the vehicle leaves on a truck

Because storage is charged per day, many people choose recovery first, then sort a new key later.

A practical way to move forward

If your impounded car has no keys, the simplest solution is to arrange a specialist recovery company, collect the vehicle using their transporter and sort out replacement keys afterward. If the pound allows locksmiths on site and you prefer to drive the car away, you can arrange a locksmith to attend, but you will still need acceptable insurance and the car must be safe to drive.

Either way, acting quickly limits storage fees and keeps the process predictable. Missing keys make the release more awkward, but with the right preparation the vehicle can still be collected smoothly.

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.

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