Impounded Van
Insurance

Impounded van insurance provides the proof of cover required to release a van that has been seized by the police. Most policies are short-term, typically lasting 30 days, and are designed to meet the requirements of Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Without this specialist insurance, your van cannot be released from the impound.

• Drivers whose vans were seized for being uninsured.
• Owners reclaiming a van from a police impound.
• Anyone required to provide valid proof of insurance within the 14-day deadline issued by the police.

• You purchase a short-term impounded vehicle insurance policy.
• The insurer issues documentation that proves valid cover.
• You present this along with ID, proof of ownership and release paperwork to the police impound.
• The van can then be collected legally.

These policies are designed for release purposes but often allow you to drive the van afterwards, provided the cover remains active.

Insurers often apply stricter terms compared to normal van insurance. Common restrictions include:

• Third Party Only cover (no option for Comprehensive).
• Social, domestic and pleasure use only (no business cover).
• No additional drivers (policyholder only).
• One-month maximum policy length.
• Payment in full required (no instalments).

• Some insurers cancel the policy immediately if the vehicle is impounded.
• Others allow the policy to continue, but you may still need to provide proof of valid cover to release the vehicle.
• If your van was already insured at the time of seizure, contact your insurer straight away to check their rules before buying separate impounded cover.

• Third Party Only is the most common level used to release a van.
• Optional upgrades may be available after release (e.g. breakdown cover, windscreen protection, legal expenses).
• Some insurers allow you to convert your 30-day impounded policy into an annual policy once the van is released.

The most common reason is driving without insurance. Other causes include no valid licence, dangerous driving or unpaid fines.

No. Police impounds usually require a specific impounded vehicle insurance policy, as not all short-term products are valid for release under Section 165A.

You normally have 14 days to provide proof. If you fail to do so, the van may be destroyed or sold.

Yes, having a vehicle impounded is often recorded by insurers and can increase the cost of future cover.

• Maintain valid, continuous insurance at all times.
• Store documents securely and keep them up to date.
• Never allow another driver to use your van without being covered.
• Use reminders (digital or postal) to avoid missing renewals.