Getting a personalised plate back

[philly]

A friend of mine had his car stolen last weekend and it had a personalised plate.

Looks like the car will not be recovered (won't bore you with the circumstances, but it looks like stolen to order).

Does anyone know what needs to be done re. getting the personalised registration back for use on the next car she buys?

Should the insurance company sort it out or do you need to contact the DVLA yourself?

Thanks in anticipation of the answer.

Phil.

[WillB]

Phil,

Has she still got the V5, MOT (if applicable) in her name?

If so then all she needs to do is get a reg transfer form, fill it in and send it off

[WillB]

Doh, just read it's a him not a her! Anyway get the transfer onto retention certificate asap!

[Tabs]

You will be in trouble if they demand to inspect the donor car, and you do not have it. I,m sure that you have to inform Swansea, who will make a note, and you have to wait 12 months before they will re-issue. Check with Swansea A.S.A.P.

[smb]

I'm sure there are some rules around this , firstly make sure the insurance company doesn't make aclaim to it with the car.

then from the web

If your vehicle is stolen and has not been recovered after a year you can apply to have its registration number re-assigned to your replacement vehicle providing certain conditions are met. In order to qualify for the concession, the theft must have been notified to the police and recorded at DVLC as stolen for not less than 12 months. In addition, at the time of the theft the vehicle must have had a current test pass certificate and have had a current vehicle excise License (tax disc). The Agency will also require a letter from your insurers confirming that they have no objection to the number being re-issued. This must be provided because once insurers have settled your claim, they have a rightful claim to the vehicle should it be recovered.

To apply, or for further information, write quoting the registration number to Cherished Transfer Section, D13, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea SA6 7JL. If you wish to telephone, DVLC's Customer Enquiries number is [phone].

[philly]

Thanks for the answers.

Fortunately this is a number that's been in the family for years - something like ABC 12L and not something really expensive.

Car was taxed/MOT'd etc. so no problems there.

12 months seems like a long time to wait if the vehicle is reported to the DVLA as stolen. Would be a real pain if you'd just shelled out 5 grand or more for a number then got the car nicked.

Will suggest to her (it is a her btw) that she checks with the insurers and the DVLA.

Thanks again.

Phil.

[JonRB]

My father had his car stolen back in 1995. I can confirm that he did indeed have to wait for 12 months before he could recover his personalised plate and have it assigned to his replacement car.