What Does Impound Release Insurance Cover?
This policy gives you the minimum cover you need to release a seized vehicle - no more, no less. Here is what is included as standard, and what to be aware of before you drive away.
Covered as Standard
- Third-party only liability for 30 days
- Driving the vehicle home from the pound
- Single named driver, social and domestic use
- UK use only
Not Covered
- Commuting or business use unless declared
- Accidental damage to your own vehicle
- Fire or theft of your own vehicle
- Mid-policy changes (the 30 days run as bought)
- Tools, stock or goods in transit
What the Pound Will Charge You
In addition to your 30-day impound insurance policy (from around £360), you will also pay the police pound's statutory fees. These are set by law and apply nationally to cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes.
- Day 1If you act today
- £218
- Day 3After 3 days waiting
- ~£270
- Day 7After a week of delay
- ~£374
- Day 14Last day to release
- ~£556
- Day 15+Disposal begins
- Ownership Lost
- Statutory rates for cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes
- Totals include the £192 release fee
- Storage charged at £26 per day, per part-day from noon the day after seizure
- Always check the latest statutory fees before you collect
What If You Miss the 14-Day Window?
Releasing the vehicle in time avoids disposal. Here is the timeline if you do not.
Day 0The Day Your Vehicle Was Seized
Your release window starts now. Pound charges grow each day from this moment. Buy 30-day cover today and you stop the clock.
Days 1-13Your Window to Release
Most drivers release within 1-3 days. Take the certificate of insurance to the pound, pay the statutory fees, drive home. The longer you wait, the higher your storage bill - there is no benefit to delay.
Day 14The Pound Can Begin Disposal
At this point, the police force can apply to dispose of the vehicle. Some forces auction; some scrap. You may have a small claim against any auction surplus after fees, but the vehicle itself is gone.
AfterVehicle Is Not Recoverable
Once disposal has been executed, you cannot get the vehicle back. This is final, set out by the Police (Retention and Disposal) Regulations 2002.
What to Bring to the Pound
Once you have bought your impound release cover, here is what to take with you. Pounds reject collection attempts when paperwork is short by one item.
-
Certificate of motor insurancePrinted, not a phone screenshot
-
Photo IDUK driving licence or passport
-
Two proofs of addressUnder three months old
-
V5C logbookProof of ownership in your name
-
Seizure notice and means of paymentCard or cash, varies by force
This list is general guidance only. Requirements vary between police forces and pounds. Always confirm with the seizing force before you travel.
What Our Expert Says
"Drivers in this position want one thing: their car back today. The release insurance market is small and specialised — only a handful of UK insurers offer it, and they consider drivers with pending charges. Disclose openly, take a printed certificate to the pound, and most drivers are on the road within 24 hours of buying the policy."Insurance Expert and Co-Founder of Clean Green Cars
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it have to be a 30-day policy?
UK police pounds will only release a seized vehicle if you produce a certificate of motor insurance covering at least 30 days. A standard 1-day or short-term policy will be turned away at the pound, even if it is otherwise valid. Impound release insurance is a dedicated 30-day, third-party-only product designed to meet that release rule.
How much does impound release insurance cost?
Prices typically start from around £360 for the 30-day policy itself, but vary based on your age, location, vehicle and driving history. The pound also charges a separate £192 release fee plus £26 per day in storage. Buying cover the same day usually saves more than shopping around for an extra hour - storage fees keep ticking.
Can I get cover with a conviction or pending case?
Impound release insurance has narrow eligibility, but pending IN10 cases following the seizure itself are usually accepted, and existing licence points or convictions can often be considered. For most other motoring convictions, including unspent serious convictions, our convicted driver insurance is the right product once your impound policy ends.
What does the impound release policy cover - and what isn't covered?
A 30-day, third-party-only policy that meets the legal release requirement. It covers driving the vehicle home from the pound under social, domestic and pleasure use only. It does not cover commuting or business use, accidental damage to your own vehicle, fire or theft of your own vehicle, or driving abroad. Comprehensive cover is not available - if you want fully-comp once the car is home, take out a separate annual or short-term policy.
How quickly can I collect my vehicle?
Cover starts the moment you pay and your certificate is emailed straight away. Most drivers print the certificate from the confirmation email and head straight to the pound, so same-day release is normal as long as you have all your documents. Pounds will usually turn collection attempts away if a single document is missing - check the docs list above before you set off.
What if I am not the registered keeper?
You can still get an impound release policy if you are not the registered keeper, but the pound will usually need extra evidence that you are authorised to collect the vehicle: typically a signed letter from the registered keeper plus their photo ID. Phone the pound before you set off to confirm what they accept - rules vary slightly between forces.
Can I cancel or get a refund for unused days?
Impound release policies are designed for a one-off use - they are usually non-refundable once purchased, even if you do not need the full 30 days. Make sure you are happy with all the policy details before you pay. The full terms and any cancellation clauses are set out in the policy wording you receive on purchase.
What happens after I submit my details?
You will be taken to GoShorty to complete a few questions about the vehicle and your driving history, then shown a price for a 30-day impound release policy. If you are happy, you pay on the GoShorty site. Cover starts the moment you pay and your certificate of insurance is emailed straight away.
Release Your Impounded Vehicle the Same Day
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK - Get a clamped or impounded vehicle released: the official process and current fees.
- AskMID: check whether a vehicle is showing on the Motor Insurance Database.
- Motor Insurers' Bureau: guidance on uninsured driving and the seizure process.
