Can I get my car out of impound without insurance?
In most cases, you will not be able to get your car out of impound without insurance. There are a few states, such as Virginia, that may only require you to pay a fee to retrieve your car. Learn how to get your vehicle out of impound.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The police have the right to impound your car in certain circumstances
- Typically, you won’t be able to retrieve the vehicle without showing proof of insurance
- You also won’t be able to get your vehicle out of impound without paying a fee
If the authorities have towed your car and it’s currently in an impound lot, you’ll want to know the next steps for getting your car back. There are specific requirements you will need to meet before you can retrieve your vehicle, depending on why it was impounded in the first place.
One of those requirements will probably be to provide proof of car insurance on said vehicle. So what if you don’t have active car insurance? Can you get your car out of impound without insurance? Read on to learn more.
Make sure you’re properly insured in case you ever have to deal with vehicle impoundment. Avoid impoundment by finding the auto insurance that’s right for you. Just enter your ZIP code to begin.
Can I get my car out of impound without insurance?
While the rules will vary by state, the police may have the right to impound your car in certain circumstances. This may be due to criminal activity, such as driving with a suspended license or DUI, or if you have frequently violated traffic laws.
The majority of states insist you cannot drive a vehicle on the road without a minimum level of insurance. So, if the police stop your vehicle and you cannot provide evidence of adequate insurance, they might seize it and send it to an impound lot.
Because of these laws, you’ll typically have to show proof of insurance to retrieve your car. The impound lot operator will usually need to confirm your coverage before they can hand back your keys.
However, there are some exceptions. According to the Virginia DMV, you may not need to have minimum insurance but can pay an uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee instead. If you live in Virginia, you should check with the impound lot about your specific situation.
The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) reports that there are 22 states with vehicle impoundment laws on the books (though your vehicle can be impounded regardless of where you live). Take a look at this table to see a summary of the CDC’s data.
Vehicle Impoundment and Confiscation Laws by State
| State | Vehicle Impoundment and Confiscation Laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama | A vehicle may be impounded if a driver is found to be driving with a revoked license or driving with a license suspended because of a DWI-related offense or refuses a breath test. However, the law provides that the vehicle will be released to the registered owner if the offender is not the owner. Further, police can release the vehicle, rather than impounding it, if it is determined that the driving is due to an emergency. This law does not seem to be aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by separating offenders from their vehicles. |
| Alaska | The municipalities may enact ordinances to impound or confiscate motor vehicles for violations of local DWI offenses or refusal of chemical test laws for first and subsequent offenses. However, these laws are not mandatory. |
| Arizona | Under Arizona’s temporary vehicle impoundment law, the offender’s vehicle may be immediately impounded for 30 days if the driver is arrested for any of the following offenses: (1) DWR for any reason; (2) DWS where the suspension was based on driving under the influence; (3) DWS where the suspension was based on a drunk-driving offense; or (4) DWS where the suspension was based on the frequency of traffic law violation convictions. The vehicle may be released before 30 days if the offender’s driving privileges have been reinstated or if the offender’s spouse enters a five-year agreement with the state to not to allow an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle. |
| California | California has two vehicle impoundment laws. The first law states that a vehicle owned and driven by an offender may be impounded up to 30 days for a first or second DWI offense and up to 90 days for third and subsequent offenses, if the offense is committed within five years of a prior offense. This first law prevents the vehicle from being impounded if it is the only vehicle available to the family or if another person has a community-property interest in the vehicle. The second law states that the vehicle owned and driven by the offender may be impounded for up to six months for a first DWI offense and up to 12 months for a subsequent DWI offense. We found no information on reasons one law might be enforced rather than the other. There is no mention of laws concerning chemical test refusals. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut has a vehicle impoundment law. The vehicle may be impounded for refusing a chemical test, which is a criminal offense and a felony DWI for a third or subsequent DWI offense. An ALR suspension counts as a prior DWI offense. There is also limited vehicle impoundment of 48 hours if a driver is arrested for drinking and driving with a suspended or revoked license. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
| Washington D.C. | The District of Columbia also has a limited vehicle impoundment law, under which impoundment is limited to 24 hours. However, the vehicle may be released to a legally licensed driver. |
| Florida | Florida has a vehicle impoundment law, under which the vehicle that is used and owned in a first DWI offense may be impounded for ten days. This action may not be concurrent with probation or imprisonment. For a second DWI offense within five years, the vehicle can be impounded for 30 days and, for a third DWI offense within ten years, for 90 days. This applies to all vehicles owned by the offender and may not be concurrent with probation or imprisonment. However, unlike first DWI offenses, it must be concurrent with the driver’s license revocation. For first, second, and third DWI offenses, these actions are conditions of mandatory probation; however, the court may decide not to order vehicle impoundment if the family has no other means of transportation. There also is a limited vehicle impoundment law for a DWI offense if, at the time of the DWI offense, the offender was driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI offense. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
| Illinois | If the DWI offender is the registered owner, then the vehicle can be impounded for 24 hours for a second DWI offense or 48 hours for a third DWI offense. The vehicle may be released sooner to a competent, licensed driver with the owner’s consent. There also is a limited vehicle impoundment law, under which law enforcement can impound a driver’s vehicle for not more than 12 hours following a DWI arrest. Limited impoundment may be used if the officer reasonably believes that the arrested offender will commit another DWI offense if released. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
| Iowa | For a second or subsequent DWI offense, the vehicle owned and used by the offender can be impounded or immobilized and the license plate seized (and registration confiscated if the vehicle is in custody) by law enforcement authorities. New registration plates are issued only at the end of the driver’s license revocation period or 180 days, whichever is longer. |
| Kannsas | For DWI violations, judges, at their discretion, may order vehicle impoundment or immobilization of the vehicle used in the offense, for up to one year. The offender pays all costs. Judges must take into account hardship to family. This law went into effect on July 1, 2003. |
| Maine | Maine also has a temporary vehicle impoundment law. The vehicle used in a DWI offense or for DWS for a prior DWI offense may be seized; however, the vehicle may be released after eight hours. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
| Maryland | The vehicle can be impounded or immobilized (by suspending license plates) for not more than 180 days if the driver’s license is currently suspended for a prior alcohol offense. |
| Minnesota | Under Minnesota’s vehicle impoundment law, a vehicle may be impounded after a DWI arrest and released to the vehicle owner with proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
| Mississippi | For a second or subsequent DWI offenses, all vehicles owned by the offender must be impounded or immobilized at the time of conviction and remain so until the license suspension has expired. If any other person must use the vehicle, an ignition interlock may be required as an alternative to impoundment or immobilization. |
| Missouri | Missouri has a vehicle impoundment or vehicle forfeiture law; however, under Missouri law, cities with populations higher than 100,000 can make their own vehicle impoundment or forfeiture laws. The state law applies to the vehicle operated by the offender regardless of ownership; consequently, the vehicle is subject to impoundment or forfeiture if the driver has had one or more DWI offenses, including illegal per se. The vehicle also can be impounded or forfeited if the offender is driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI offense or for a DWI and involuntary manslaughter offense. Last, the vehicle can be impounded or forfeited if the driver has had two or more DWI offenses (including illegal per se) and, for either offense, had a BAC of 0.08 or greater (0.02 or greater for those under 21) or if the driver has refused to submit to a chemical test under the implied-consent law. |
| Nebraska | An offender who is driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI or an implied-consent conviction may have his or her vehicle impounded for not less than ten days and not longer than 30 days. An offender under 21 may have his or her vehicle impounded if he or she has a BAC of 0.02 or greater. |
| New Jersey | According to Century Council (2003), New Jersey has a vehicle impoundment law under which an offender’s vehicle must be impounded for 12 hours at the time of arrest. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. NHTSA (2003a) does not report any vehicle impoundment laws in New Jersey, which raises a question as to which source is correct. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico also has a vehicle immobilization law, under which a vehicle may be immobilized for 30 days if the offender was driving with a revoked license, unless immobilization poses a hardship to the family. |
| Oregon | Vehicle impoundment or immobilization is limited to one year for a second or subsequent DWI offense or for driving with a suspended license. This action is at the court’s discretion and applies to all vehicles owned and used by the offender, even if not used in the offense. The offender must pay the costs of removing, storing, or immobilizing the vehicle. |
| Virginia | Any vehicle used in a DWI offense may be impounded or immobilized for 30 days if the offender was driving with a license suspended because of a prior DWI, an administrative per se violation, or chemical test refusal. In addition, vehicles owned by an offender may be impounded or immobilized for up to 90 days even if the vehicles were not used in the offense. There are family hardship exceptions for households with only one vehicle. |
| Washington | Washington has a vehicle impoundment law. In addition to impounding the vehicle for other possible penalties for driving with a license suspended for a prior DWI conviction, authorities may also impound the vehicle for not more than 30 days on a first offense. For a second offense, the vehicle may be impounded for not more than 60 days or, for a third offense, not more than 90 days. |
| Wisconsin | There is a policy in Wisconsin that allows temporary vehicle impoundment, as part of the immobilization process. This is not a law, just a policy, and is used only temporarily and at the discretion of officers in the field. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming has a policy that allows for temporary vehicle impoundment. An offender’s vehicle may be impounded following an arrest if a sober driver is unavailable. This law seems intended to prevent the offender from operating the vehicle immediately after the drinking-and-driving offense, rather than being aimed at long-term prevention of drinking and driving by offenders. |
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What happens if the police impound your car because you don’t have insurance?
The police may decide to impound your vehicle if you drive without insurance. The laws vary by state, but you’ll undoubtedly want to avoid this situation as it can be costly, including fines for being uninsured and fees for getting your car out of impound.
Always carry at least the minimum auto liability insurance to meet state requirements and have your insurance card with you while you drive. You may need to produce it along with your registration and title if a law enforcement officer stops you.
How can you get your car out of impound?
If you want to retrieve your car, you will typically have to go through a specific process. You’ll need to contact the impound lot for details so you can gather documentation before you show up.
You will likely need to provide the following:
- Vehicle title or registration
- Your photo ID
- Payment to settle the impound company’s fees
- Auto insurance on the vehicle, in most cases
You’ll want to act quickly, as it’s not cheap to keep a vehicle impounded.
What’s the cost to get a vehicle out of impound?
The cost to get your vehicle out of impound will vary. You will need to talk with the specific lot operator to determine how much you will have to pay.
These costs may include towing fees, daily storage charges, and a fee for releasing the vehicle. Since many factors are at play, the costs vary widely but could be up to $1,000.
You may be fined or have the vehicle you’re driving impounded if you don’t have these documents proving you have insurance. Even if you’re involved in an accident through no fault of your own, you can face a range of penalties.
Driving Without Auto Insurance: 1st & 2nd Offense Penalties by State
| State | First Offense Penalties | Second Offense Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: Up to $1,000 and/or six-month license suspension; $400 reinstatement fee with four-month registration suspension |
| Alaska | License suspension for 90 days | License suspension for one year |
| Arizona | Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months | Fine: $750 (or more within 36 months); license/registration/license plate suspension for six months |
| Arkansas | Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; the court may order impoundment | Fine: $250 to $500 fine — minimum fine mandatory; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| California | Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded | Fine: $200-$500 within three years plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| Colorado | Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service | $1,000 minimum fine, and a license suspension for four months, four points against your license. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service |
| Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for six months (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
| Delaware | Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months | Fine: $3000 minimum fine within three years; license/privilege suspension for six months |
| Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $250 fee for the second reinstatement |
| Georgia | Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and a $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due | Within five years: Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
| Hawaii | $500 fine or community service granted by a judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months | Fine: $1500 minimum fine within five years; either license suspension for one year or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months |
| Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. | Fine: $1000 maximum fine within five years and/or no more than six months in jail; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
| Illinois | License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof | License plate suspension for four months; $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
| Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year | Within three years: license/registration suspension for one year |
| Iowa | Fine: $500 if in an accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over | N/A |
| Kansas | Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 | Fine: $800 to $2500 within three years; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $300 if revoked within previous year, otherwise $100 |
| Kentucky | Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown | Within five years: 180 days in jail and/or $1000 to $2500; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
| Louisiana | Fine: $500 to $1000; If in a car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days | N/A |
| Maine | Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Maryland | Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for registration | N/A |
| Massachusetts | Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less | Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year |
| Michigan | Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State | N/A |
| Minnesota | Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months | N/A |
| Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Missouri | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended for 90 days with $200 reinstatement fee. |
| Montana | Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days | Fine: $350 and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days — within five years; license and registration revoked until proof of insurance and payment of reinstatement fees within 90 days |
| Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years | |
| Nevada | Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 | Fine: $500 to $1000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; Reinstatement fee: $500 |
| New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. | N/A |
| New Jersey | Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year | Fine: up to $5000; two-year license suspension; 14-day, mandatory jail term, and an additional mandatory 30 days of community service |
| New Mexico | Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension | N/A |
| New York | Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of the license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. | N/A |
| North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee | Fine: $100 within three years; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
| North Dakota | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50. | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; license plates impounded until proof of insurance (provided for one year) plus $20 reinstatement fee; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50 and the fee to remove this notation is $50. |
| Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met, and a $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) | License/plates/registration suspension for one year; $300 reinstatement fee; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three or five years; if involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
| Oklahoma | Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car is impounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. | N/A |
| Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in an accident — at least a one-year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and the vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period | N/A |
| Rhode Island | Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 | Fine: $500; license and registration suspension up to six months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: $200 and/or 30-day imprisonment — within 10 years; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
| South Dakota | Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from the date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in the suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver's license. | N/A |
| Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 | N/A |
| Texas | Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) | Fine: $350 to $1000; pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements); suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the person unless the person files and maintains evidence of financial responsibility with the department until the second anniversary of the date of the subsequent conviction; Impoundment: for 180 days and cannot apply for a release of the car without evidence of financial responsibility and impoundment fee of $15/day. |
| Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee | Fine: $1000 — with three years; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
| Vermont | Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Virginia | Fine: The driver may pay a $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid | N/A |
| Washington | Fine: Up to $250 or more | N/A |
| West Virginia | Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee | Fine: $200-$5000 fine and/or 15 days to one year in jail — within five years; license suspended for 90 days and registration revoked until proof of insurance. |
| Wisconsin | Fine: up to $500 | N/A |
| Wyoming | Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail | N/A |
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Can you get a car out of impound without paying?
If you are wondering how to get a car out of impound without paying a fee, the short answer is you can’t.
If you cannot afford to get the vehicle out of impound, you may be able to request a payment plan from the lot owner. That may not be an option, so you should make every effort to raise funds elsewhere.
In the worst-case scenario, the towing company could put a lien on your car or even auction it off.
Is it possible to get a car out of impound without insurance?
Law-enforcement officers across the country have the right to impound a car if they suspect that the driver has committed certain offenses, including driving without insurance.
If police seize your car, you won’t be able to retrieve it without paying the fees and, in most cases, showing proof of insurance.
If you’re ready to buy auto insurance, enter your ZIP code below for auto insurance rates from top auto insurance companies in your area so you can avoid impoundment of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrieve my impounded car without insurance?
It depends on the regulations and requirements set by the impoundment facility, as well as the laws in your jurisdiction. In many cases, having valid insurance is a prerequisite for retrieving an impounded vehicle.
Why is insurance necessary to release an impounded car?
Insurance is typically required to protect the interests of all parties involved. It ensures that you have coverage in case of damage or accidents while operating the vehicle. Additionally, it helps satisfy legal requirements related to liability and financial responsibility.
What if I didn’t have insurance at the time my car was impounded?
If you didn’t have insurance when your car was impounded, you will likely need to obtain insurance coverage before being allowed to retrieve the vehicle. Contact the impound facility or local authorities to understand the specific requirements and steps you need to take.
Can I obtain insurance after my car has been impounded?
Yes, you can still obtain insurance after your car has been impounded. However, it’s important to note that the insurance company may ask for additional information or documentation due to the impoundment. Be prepared to provide necessary details and explain the circumstances to the insurer.
Are there any alternative options to retrieve my impounded car without insurance?
In some cases, impound facilities may offer alternatives to insurance, such as obtaining a special permit or posting a bond. These options vary depending on local regulations and the policies of the impound facility. Contact the impound lot or local authorities to explore any available alternatives.
Will the impound facility help me find insurance?
Impound facilities generally don’t assist in finding insurance. However, they can provide information regarding local insurance providers or direct you to resources that may help you in obtaining insurance coverage.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.