What happens if I am stopped by police whilst driving a van, but I don't have the right insurance?
Firstly, if you're stopped by the police and found to be driving without insurance, you could be hit with a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points on your licence. This immediate action can be taken roadside by the police. But the story doesn't end there. If your case goes to court, you could face an unlimited fine and even disqualification from driving.
Importantly, in accordance with Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that's being driven uninsured. This is where vehicle impoundment enters the picture.
What if I am insured, but the police say that it's the wrong kind?
Van insurance comes in different categories and you are under a legal obligation to make sure that you have the right cover. If, for instance, you are only insured for social domestic and pleasure purposes, but you are found to be carrying business goods, then your insurance won't cover you for this and so you would be driving whilst uninsured.
The Law Regarding Uninsured Driving
The UK's Road Traffic Act 1988 lays down that all drivers must have at least third-party insurance cover. This requirement extends to all vehicles, including vans, cars, lorries, and motorcycles. The aim is to ensure that in the event of an accident, damage or injury to a third party will be financially covered. If you're caught driving uninsured, you are breaching this legislation and can face severe penalties.
Vehicle Impoundment: Understanding the Process
Vehicle impoundment is the act of the police taking possession of a vehicle, usually temporarily. This typically happens if a driver is stopped and found to be without valid insurance. Here's what you need to know:
Seizure: If you're caught driving your van without insurance, the police can seize it on the spot. This doesn't just happen after an accident – it can happen anytime you're stopped, for instance, during a routine check.
Storage and Retrieval Costs: Once your vehicle has been seized, it will likely be towed to a police compound. To retrieve it, you must provide proof of valid insurance and pay the relevant costs, which include a release fee of at least £192 and a daily storage fee of £26.
Potential Destruction: If you do not claim your vehicle within 14 days, the police have the authority to dispose of it. This could mean selling it at auction or scrapping it entirely. If your van is a vital part of your business, this could be particularly devastating.
How to find impounded van insurance
To get a van out of impound you need to act quickly. You will have to produce an insurance policy that covers releasing an impounded vehicle; most don't but you could ring the friendly folk at Alternative Propositions Limited on 0161 388 2552. They can advise you and suggest a short term policy that the police will accept. They are of course fully Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) so you'll be dealing with qualified professionals who are legally obliged to work in your best interests.
The Ripple Effect: Implications Beyond Impoundment
The implications of driving without insurance, and consequently having your vehicle impounded, are not just limited to immediate fines, points, and recovery costs. These circumstances can also have lasting, often overlooked, ripple effects such as:
Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurers consider driving convictions and penalty points when calculating premiums. A record of driving without insurance can lead to significantly higher future insurance costs. This is particularly relevant if you're a business owner, where these increased costs can impact your bottom line.
Employability: If your job involves driving, such as courier or delivery services, having a clean driving licence is often a prerequisite. A history of uninsured driving can lead to employment challenges within these sectors.
Financial Hardship: The fines associated with uninsured driving, coupled with the cost of retrieving an impounded vehicle, can cause substantial financial strain. If the vehicle is not recovered within the set period and is subsequently disposed of, the cost of replacing the vehicle only adds to the financial hardship.
Navigating Vehicle Impoundment: Steps to Recovery
If your vehicle has been impounded, acting promptly is vital, to mitigate further complications. Here are the steps you should follow:
Obtain Proof of Insurance: The first step in reclaiming your impounded vehicle is obtaining valid insurance. In some cases, you may need to seek specific impounded vehicle insurance, as some insurers may not cover vehicles seized by the police.
Pay the Required Fees: To release the impounded vehicle, you must pay the statutory fees. These include the release fee (approximately £192 for a light can, more for bigger ones) and a daily storage fee (around £26 per day). Note that these fees may vary by location and circumstance.
Present the Necessary Documentation: When you're ready to collect your vehicle, you must present proof of insurance, a valid driver’s licence, and proof of ownership to the impound lot.
Retrieve Your Vehicle: After completing the necessary steps, you can retrieve your vehicle. Be aware that any delay in this process will result in additional storage costs.
Are many other van drivers in the same situation?
The Department for Transport reported that, in 2022, approximately 130,000 vehicles were seized due to a lack of insurance. Most of these vehicles were cars, but vans made up a significant proportion, impacting many businesses and self-employed individuals. Among these, a notable number end up being scrapped when owners fail to reclaim them, typically because they can't afford the impound fees or procure appropriate insurance.
What happens if I don't retrieve my van?
You'll lose it completely and it will be either sold or scrapped by the police. Depending on the policy of the impound lot you may not have to pay the impound fees but they mill stay still make a scrappage chaege, unless the van is a valuable one and they can auction it. In that case any proceeds go to local police funds,
How do I cut down the cost?
The longer you delay the faster the fees add up. Alternative Propositions Limited can advise you on how to get your van out as quickly as possible. Their phone number again is 0161 388 2552; their address is Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Heaviley, Stockport, SK2 6NG and their FCA registration number
.Final thoughts
You may well be feeling stressed, anoyed, embarrassed. Do please remember though that the staff at the impound lot are working people just trying to make a living; a smile and a few friendly words might make the whole transaction more pleasant for all concerned. Good luck.
