Sometimes a vehicle is seized because of someone else’s mistake — a friend, family member, or employee was driving it when the police intervened. If that driver can’t be contacted or refuses to cooperate, it can leave the registered keeper in a difficult position. Fortunately, the process for getting the car released doesn’t depend on the offending driver being present, provided the correct paperwork and insurance are in place.

Who the police will release the car to

Police and DVLA pounds usually release vehicles only to the registered keeper listed on the V5C logbook, or to someone authorised by them in writing. It doesn’t matter who caused the impound — the pound’s concern is legal ownership, not guilt. If you’re the keeper, you can collect the car even if the driver who caused the problem is unavailable or under investigation.

If the car belongs to a business, the director or fleet manager named on the company registration may authorise collection instead. In all cases, the person collecting must show valid identification and bring the appropriate insurance documents.

Steps to take if the driver isn’t around

• Gather proof of ownership: bring the full V5C logbook, or the green new keeper slip if the car was recently purchased.
• Arrange impound insurance in your own name: the certificate must show you as the policyholder and cover impounded-vehicle release.
• Bring valid photo ID: such as a driving licence or passport.
• Prepare a signed authorisation letter if someone else will collect the car for you. It should clearly state their name, your permission, and the registration number.

These documents allow pound staff to confirm that the vehicle is being released to its rightful keeper rather than the driver who caused the offence.

If the driver was disqualified or uninsured

If the driver was uninsured or banned, the police may take longer to authorise release while they investigate. However, as long as the keeper can show ownership and obtain valid insurance, the car can still be collected. The case against the driver is handled separately through the courts and doesn’t prevent recovery of the vehicle itself.

In certain serious offences — such as using the car in a crime or where it’s being held as evidence — the vehicle may remain impounded until police release it formally. In such cases, the keeper will be notified in writing once the car can be collected.

When you can’t or don’t want to collect

If the keeper can’t collect the vehicle personally (for example, if they’re abroad or ill), they can authorise someone else in writing. That person will need their own valid impound insurance policy, ID, and the keeper’s signed letter of permission. Without that, pound staff can’t legally release the vehicle.

If the keeper no longer wants the car, they can sign a release form allowing the pound to dispose of it. However, that doesn’t remove liability for fees already incurred.

How to prevent a repeat incident

If someone else caused your car to be impounded, check how they were using it. If they weren’t covered by your insurance, it’s best to restrict access in future or adjust your policy to include named drivers. Police can and do check the Motor Insurance Database quickly, and letting someone drive who isn’t properly insured risks another seizure and potentially prosecution for permitting uninsured use.

Final note

If the driver who caused the impound isn’t available, the registered keeper can still recover the car. Ownership, valid impound insurance, and photo ID are what matter most. The driver’s offence will be dealt with separately, and keeping your documents in order ensures you can get the vehicle back promptly and legally.

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.