The most common reasons for cars getting impounded are:
- Dangerous driving: This doesn’t just mean speeding but driving in any way that is deemed to be reckless and causes danger to other road users or members of the public.
- Illegal parking: Parking illegally is a very common reason that cars get impounded.
- Lack of tax: Driving without valid tax is an offence and many cars are impounded for this reason.
- Lack of insurance: A surprising number of drivers drive without insurance and when caught, they’re likely to have their vehicle seized.
- Abandoned vehicle: Some cars are left abandoned and this usually results in them being impounded.
- Drink driving: Drivers who are caught driving under the influence will usually have their cars impounded too.
You’ll need to show that you have insurance in order to get your car back, so it’s necessary to get impounded car insurance since many regular car insurance policies don’t cover you if your car has been impounded.
A typical impounded car insurance policy will cover you for 30 days.


