Private plate on car

[Shore]

I am about to buy a second hand car and want to put my private plate on it. Can I assign the private plate straight away ? The plate is on retention. If possible I want to have it on the car before I insurance it to save on the administration fee.

[Nickp82]

If you are buying from a dealer you need a V5 in your name before you can assign your plate.

If you are buying privately it could be done if you know the person but would be more long winded, your best bet is to just swallow the admin fee and do it once you have the v5 back from dvla.

[Denis O]

When I've done this I insure the car on its regular plate but mention I shall be changing to a private plate soonest. They've always waived any admin fee in those circumstances.

[sc0tt]

In my experience, insurers give 30 days grace on admin fees for changing plates.

[sjj84]

As said a lot of insurers give a grace period to swap plates. Many also don't charge an admin fee at all for such a trivial task.

[ThunderSpook]

Just make sure you tell them you'll be changing the plate when you change cars on the policy.

[Shore]

Thanks for the information. It is much appreciated.