When a car is impounded and the registered keeper lives abroad, collecting it becomes more complicated but not impossible. Pounds deal with this situation regularly, and there are lawful ways to arrange release, authorise someone else to act, or dispose of the vehicle if returning isn’t practical. The key is clear documentation and communication with both the pound and an authorised insurance provider.

Why living abroad creates problems

Pounds require the registered keeper’s identification, signature, and proof of ownership before a vehicle can be released. If the keeper is overseas, these can’t be presented in person, and the pound has no power to make exceptions without written consent. The keeper must therefore appoint a trusted representative or provide documentary evidence confirming that another person is authorised to act on their behalf.

Authorising someone in the UK to collect the car

The simplest solution is for the keeper to nominate a friend, family member, or solicitor in the UK to collect the vehicle. This person will need:

• a signed letter of authority from the keeper giving permission to collect the car;
• a copy of the keeper’s passport or other official ID;
• proof of vehicle ownership (such as the V5C or a copy of it);
• proof of valid insurance for the person collecting the car;
• the original impound release notice or reference number.

The letter should include the full vehicle registration, the name of the pound, and contact details for the keeper abroad in case staff need to confirm authenticity. Some pounds may also accept a signed and scanned document sent by email, but it must look official and be accompanied by ID copies.

Arranging insurance when the keeper isn’t in the UK

Insurance is essential before the car can leave the pound. The person collecting the car must hold or arrange valid impound insurance in their own name. Because the keeper abroad cannot usually hold a UK insurance policy, insurers will need written consent showing that the policyholder has permission to collect and drive the car. Impound-specific insurers are used to this scenario and can often provide temporary cover for an authorised driver once documentation is verified.

If no one in the UK can collect it

When the keeper has no representative in Britain, a recovery firm or authorised motor trader may collect the car on their behalf. They must hold trade insurance that explicitly includes impound recovery. The pound may still require the keeper’s written consent and ID copies, along with confirmation of payment for any fees due. The recovery company can then transport the car to private storage or a buyer’s address.

Selling the vehicle instead of collecting it

If the keeper no longer wants to keep the car or cannot return to the UK, selling it directly from the pound is another option. The keeper can authorise a licensed trader or buyer in writing, confirming that ownership will be transferred once payment is received. The pound will release the vehicle to the buyer only after seeing signed proof of sale and identification for both parties. This avoids storage costs building up and ensures a lawful transfer.

Important cautions

Storage fees continue to accrue daily until the car leaves the pound. If no action is taken, the vehicle may eventually be disposed of by the authority to recover those costs. Acting quickly — ideally within the first week — prevents unnecessary loss of value. It’s also wise for the keeper to keep digital copies of all correspondence and receipts for any future queries.

Final note

When a registered keeper lives abroad, reclaiming an impounded car requires planning but can be done legally with proper authorisation. A trusted person or licensed trader can handle the collection, insurance can be arranged in their name, or the vehicle can be sold directly from the pound. The key is prompt, written communication — clear proof of identity, ownership, and consent are what make the release possible.

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.