Arranging insurance for a vehicle that’s been impounded is rarely cheap. Insurers treat these cases as higher risk, and the policies themselves are specialist short-term products designed to meet strict pound release conditions. While prices vary depending on circumstances, there are realistic ranges that most drivers can expect to fall within.

Typical price range

Most impound insurance policies start at around £200 to £300 for a 30-day term. For drivers with past convictions, younger age, or higher-value vehicles, costs can climb to £400–£600 or more. These figures reflect the short-term nature of the cover and the higher risk associated with vehicles that have already been seized by the authorities.

Because pounds usually require at least 30 days of valid cover, even if you only need the policy for a few days, you’ll still pay for a full month’s insurance. That’s the minimum most insurers will offer for an impounded vehicle release.

Why it costs more than normal insurance

Standard car insurance is based on routine driving use, often over a 12-month period. Impound insurance, on the other hand, is a specialist product aimed at situations involving prior enforcement action — typically when a vehicle was seized for being uninsured, untaxed, or driven by someone not entitled to use it. Insurers view that as higher risk, so the premiums reflect it.

Another factor is the administration involved. These policies are processed quickly, require immediate proof of cover, and are often set up by specialist brokers rather than mainstream comparison sites. The extra handling adds to the overall price.

Factors that influence the cost

The final premium depends on several details, including:

• Driver’s history – points, convictions, or previous uninsured driving raise premiums considerably.
• Vehicle type – sports cars or high-performance models are more expensive to insure for impound release.
• Postcode and storage location – areas with higher theft or claim rates can affect pricing.
• Length of cover – 30 days is the minimum, but opting for longer terms increases cost.
• Age and experience – younger drivers or those with limited experience generally face higher rates.

Other related fees

Insurance isn’t the only cost. Releasing a car from impound usually involves:

• a statutory release fee (often around £150–£200 for a car), and
• a daily storage fee, which can add another £20–£30 per day depending on the pound.

Those charges continue to build until the vehicle is collected, so even a short delay in arranging insurance can add significantly to the total expense.

How to keep costs manageable

To avoid unnecessary costs:

• Arrange the correct insurance as soon as possible after seizure.
• Check that the policy is specifically for impound release and will show correctly on the Motor Insurance Database (MID).
• Ensure all documents are in order before travelling to the pound — incomplete paperwork leads to wasted trips and extra storage charges.

Final note

Impounded car insurance in the UK generally costs between £200 and £600 for a 30-day policy, depending on the driver, the vehicle, and the insurer. It’s a short-term but essential expense to get your car legally released. Acting promptly and choosing a suitable specialist policy keeps the process smoother — and stops the total cost from spiralling.

Check here for more useful information about impounded cars!

Please note: impound rules, collection windows and fee structures are set locally and can change at any time. Details on this site offer a broad outline only and are not guaranteed to match the requirements of any individual pound or authority.