Driving in Ontario can be pretty smooth sailing, until it's not. There are many situations where things can take an unexpected turn. One such scenario is getting your car impounded. It's not a situation you want to find yourself in.
A variety of situations could lead to vehicle impoundment, also known as vehicle seizure. For example, if you are found guilty of a serious driving offence such as driving with a suspended licence. Even though it may seem likely, understanding the impoundment process is crucial.
In this blog post, we'll explore what you need to know about having your vehicle impounded, car insurance implications, and the top reasons why it may be impounded.
Your vehicle may be impounded if you violate certain laws or regulations related to the operation or ownership of the vehicle, such as breaking traffic laws or using the vehicle in a crime. Impounding means it will be seized and taken into government or law enforcement custody.
If your vehicle is impounded, you must pay fees and meet requirements, such as resolving issues and obtaining documentation, to retrieve it. Failure to do so within a specified time can result in forfeiture and auction sales to cover costs, which we will cover in the below sections.
Driving with a suspended driver's license can lead to getting an impoundment notice from a police officer, and your vehicle will be towed away immediately. This rule applies to all kinds of motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and vehicles that have been rented, leased, or provided to you for work. Your vehicle can get impounded, or seized, even if the licence is from another province, state, or country.
Here are some common reasons for a car being impounded and what typically happens:
When the police impound your car, it means that your vehicle has been seized and is being held by law enforcement for different reasons.
Keep in mind the specific circumstances and procedures can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the reason for the impoundment.
Let's say you lent your car to a friend for the weekend. Unknown to you, Jane was pulled over by the police for speeding and subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The police impound your car because of their arrest.
In this scenario:
Did you know that the reason why your driver's license is suspended can determine how long your vehicle will be impounded? Don't let a simple mistake cause you to lose your vehicle for an extended period. Here are some examples:
Yes, having your car impounded can lead to an increase in your Ontario car insurance rate. While the incident of getting your vehicle seized may not directly trigger a premium increase, the underlying reasons for the impoundment can impact coverage costs in the following ways:
The impact on your premiums might differ based on your policy, insurer, and location. The best way to prevent your insurance rates from rising is by having a clean driving record and avoiding any offences that could result in an impoundment.
If you have concerns about how an impoundment might affect your insurance, you should contact your broker directly to discuss your situation and potential premium adjustments.
To retrieve your impounded vehicle, you typically need to follow these steps:
It's crucial to understand that the procedures and fees for reclaiming an impounded car can differ depending on the location. Therefore, contacting the relevant law enforcement agency or impound lot is paramount to getting accurate information and guidance on retrieving your impounded car. If you don't address the impoundment promptly, you may face additional fees and the risk of losing your vehicle.
The cost of getting your vehicle out of impoundment in Ontario can vary depending on several factors, including the reason, the duration of impoundment, and the specific impound lot or towing company involved.
These are approximate costs, and they can change over time. Contacting the impound lot or towing company directly is essential to get accurate information on the specific costs and procedures. Consult the website of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or contact them for the most up-to-date information on vehicle impoundment procedures and costs.
You can appeal a vehicle impoundment for a refund of the towing and storage costs if:
Only Criminal Code suspensions, such as 45-day impoundments, can be appealed. Appeals for 7-day impoundments are not permitted. Visit the website of the Licence Appeal Tribunal for more information on the process.
Ontario Regulation 512/97 allows impounding of commercial vehicles with critical defects in brakes, steering, wheels, tires, frame, and suspension.
Commercial vehicles will be impounded for a period of 7 days in the following situations:
These incidents can lead to a serious impact on your commercial vehicle insurance. You can learn more about the commercial vehicle impoundment program online.
In Ontario, someone else can retrieve your vehicle from impound on your behalf, but some specific requirements and procedures must be followed, such as an authorization letter, fee payments, and proper identification.
You need valid Ontario car insurance to retrieve your car from impound in most jurisdictions. Insurance requirements can vary depending on the location and the reason for the impoundment. Plus, you will need coverage to drive the car – it’s illegal to drive without it.
Impound lots are designed to temporarily store vehicles that have been impounded for various reasons, such as traffic violations, towing, or legal issues. The impound lot typically charges daily storage fees, and there are usually limits to how long your vehicle can remain there.
If you receive a ticket for speeding over 50km/h or more over the posted speed limit, you could face a minimum of a seven days vehicle impoundment.
You may be able to apply for a refund of fees if your vehicle was stolen at the time it was impounded, the licence was not under suspension, or subject to an ignition lock.
To avoid costly and inconvenient impoundment of your car in Ontario, follow traffic laws and maintain proper documentation. If you face impoundment, understand the process and your responsibilities for a smoother resolution. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep driving responsibly.
Categories | Auto |
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Tags | Driving TipsAuto Coverage |
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