Vehicle seized by police, DVLA, or local authority? Black Eagle Recovery provides fast collection from impound pounds across London and the South East — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Daily storage fees increase every day, so act now.
Understanding the reason for impoundment determines what documents you need and how quickly you can get your vehicle back.
Driving without valid insurance is one of the most common reasons for impoundment. Police can seize the vehicle under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act. You will need to provide proof of insurance before the vehicle is released.
Proof of insurance requiredVehicles without valid VED (road tax) can be clamped or impounded. DVLA enforcement officers and police both have the power to seize untaxed vehicles. You will need to tax the vehicle before it can be released.
VED must be paid before releaseVehicles left in a public place for an extended period may be removed by the local authority as abandoned. The owner is notified and has a limited time to reclaim the vehicle before it is disposed of.
Act quickly — disposal deadline appliesPolice can seize vehicles used in the commission of certain offences, including dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, or driving under the influence. A court order may be required for release.
Legal advice may be requiredVehicles with serious defects that make them dangerous to drive can be seized by police or DVSA. The vehicle must be repaired and pass an inspection before it can be returned to the road.
Repair and inspection requiredBailiffs and enforcement agents can seize vehicles as part of debt recovery proceedings. If your vehicle has been seized by bailiffs, you may need legal advice before attempting to recover it.
Legal advice recommendedFollow these steps to get your vehicle back as quickly and cheaply as possible. Storage fees increase daily — act fast.
Call the police on 101 or check the DVLA's online vehicle enquiry service to find out which pound your vehicle has been taken to. You will need your registration number.
You will typically need: proof of identity (driving licence or passport), proof of insurance, V5C logbook, and payment for the release fee. Requirements vary by pound and reason for seizure.
Impound fees increase daily. Most pounds charge a fixed release fee plus a daily storage charge. The sooner you act, the lower the total cost. Call the pound directly to confirm the fee before attending.
Once released, you can drive the vehicle away (if it is roadworthy and you have valid insurance and tax) or arrange recovery to your home or a garage. Call Black Eagle Recovery on 0330 520 1620 for fast collection from any pound in London and the South East.
Most impound pounds require the following documents before releasing a vehicle. Requirements vary — call the pound directly to confirm before attending.
We collect vehicles from impound pounds across London and the South East. Call us once you have the release paperwork and we will dispatch immediately.
Cars, vans, motorcycles, supercars, HGVs. We carry the right equipment for every vehicle type including non-runners and vehicles with damage.
Read Google reviews from drivers we have helped across London and the South East.
We aim to reach you within 45–90 minutes in most areas. You get an ETA when you call 0330 520 1620.
If your vehicle is not roadworthy after impoundment, we can recover it on a flatbed to your home or a garage of your choice.
London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Buckinghamshire, and all major motorway corridors.
Enter your postcode to find the nearest Black Eagle Recovery coverage area to your impound pound.
Enter your postcode to find the nearest Black Eagle Recovery area page and the M25 junction that covers you.
Covers all M25 corridor postcodes. For postcodes outside this area, call us directly.
We collect from impound pounds across London and the South East — 24/7, 365 days a year.
Leave your name, number, and location and one of our in-house team will call you back within minutes. No automated systems — a real person who can help.
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Car recovery costs in the UK vary widely depending on location, distance, vehicle type, and time of day. This guide breaks down typical prices for roadside assistance, local recovery, long-distance recovery, and specialist vehicle transport — so you know what to expect before you call.
Call Black Eagle Recovery on 0330 520 1620 once you have the release paperwork. We answer every call, 24 hours a day.
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