Does Impound Insurance Cover Damage During the Towing Process in the UK?

Imagine this: you finally get your car back from the impound lot, only to discover a new dent or scratch. Was it already there? Did it happen during the towing process? Dealing with an impounded car is stressful enough, but finding damage adds another layer of frustration. This is where understanding impound insurance and its coverage becomes crucial. But does it actually cover damage that occurs during towing? Let’s dive in and find out.

Understanding Impound Insurance Coverage

Impound insurance, also known as vehicle release insurance, primarily focuses on helping you with the costs and legal aspects of getting your car released from impound.¹ It typically covers things like:

• Release fees: The charge for getting your car back from the impound lot.
• Storage fees: The daily cost of keeping your car at the impound lot.²
• Towing costs: The expense of towing your car to the impound lot (in some cases).
• Legal expenses: If you need legal help to get your car released.

However, when it comes to damage during the towing process, the coverage can be a bit tricky. It often depends on the specific terms and conditions of your impound insurance policy.

What to Look for in Your Policy

To determine if your impound insurance covers damage during towing, carefully review your policy documents. Pay close attention to the following:

• Included Features: Some policies may explicitly state coverage for damage incurred during the towing process. This could be listed as “towing damage cover” or something similar.
• Exclusions: Just as important, look for any exclusions that might specifically exclude damage caused during towing. These exclusions might be listed under sections like “what’s not covered” or “limitations.”
• Definitions: Pay attention to how the policy defines “towing” and “damage.” There might be specific definitions that limit the coverage.

Factors Affecting Coverage

Even if your impound insurance policy mentions coverage for towing damage, several factors can influence whether a claim is accepted:

• Type of damage: The policy might cover specific types of damage, such as dents or scratches, but exclude others like mechanical damage.
• Cause of damage: Coverage might depend on whether the damage was caused by negligence on the part of the towing company or due to pre-existing conditions with your vehicle.
• Evidence: You’ll likely need to provide evidence of the damage, such as photos or videos taken before and after the towing, to support your claim.

Steps to Take if Your Car is Damaged During Towing

If you find damage to your car after it’s been towed to the impound lot, follow these steps:

1. Document the damage: Take clear photos and videos of the damage from different angles.
2. Report the damage: Inform the impound lot and the towing company about the damage immediately.
3. Contact your insurance provider: File a claim with your impound insurance provider and provide them with all the necessary documentation.
4. Gather evidence: If you believe the towing company was negligent, gather evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements or police reports.

Tips to Minimize the Risk of Damage During Towing

While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of damage, these tips can help minimize it:

• Choose a reputable towing company: Opt for a towing company with a good track record and proper insurance.
• Document your car’s condition: Take photos or videos of your car’s condition before it’s towed.
• Communicate with the towing company: Inform them about any specific concerns or vulnerabilities with your vehicle.
• Inspect your car thoroughly: Once you get your car back, inspect it carefully for any damage.

FAQs