Yes, most police and council impounds now accept a PDF insurance certificate, provided it clearly shows all the required details and matches the vehicle and policyholder correctly. However, there are still situations where a printed or verified copy may be requested. Each pound follows its local police force’s procedures, so it’s always best to check before you attend.

Why PDF certificates are normally accepted

Most insurers issue certificates electronically these days. The law recognises a valid digital insurance certificate as proof of cover, so a PDF displayed on a phone or printed at home is usually fine. As long as the document:

• includes the insurer’s name and address,
• shows the policy number and start date,
• lists the vehicle registration exactly, and
• states that the cover includes release from a police or council impound,

then it counts as legal proof of insurance. Staff at the pound may verify it by contacting the insurer or checking the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

When a printed copy may still be required

Some impounds still insist on a paper copy for administrative or auditing reasons. That’s especially true if their internal systems don’t allow digital uploads. If the pound’s notice letter specifically mentions a printed certificate, it’s safer to take one. A quick printout of the emailed PDF is perfectly acceptable — it doesn’t have to be on special paper or certified by the insurer.

Bringing both a printed copy and the PDF on your phone helps avoid delay if their staff can’t read or print from your device on site.

What the pound actually checks

When you present your insurance proof, the pound staff check:

• that the vehicle registration number matches,
• that the policy start date and time are active,
• that the named driver collecting the car is covered, and
• that the policy specifically includes impounded vehicles (if required by local rules).

If anything is missing, unclear, or appears altered, they may decline the release until you provide a verified replacement. A visible “digital copy” watermark is fine, but handwritten edits or screenshots without full document details are not.

Verification on the MID

Even with a valid PDF certificate, the police or pound staff may check the Motor Insurance Database (MID) before releasing the car. Upload times vary by insurer — sometimes instant, sometimes within 24 hours. To avoid problems, it’s best to use an impound-specific policy that uploads promptly and provides immediate digital documentation.

Final note

Most impound pounds accept PDF insurance certificates as long as they are genuine, complete, and easy to read. Bringing a printed version as backup is always sensible, especially if you’re travelling some distance or the pound operates limited hours. A quick phone call to confirm their exact requirements can save time and prevent a wasted trip.

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.