Private plate if car written, when to retain?

[Scuba_steve]

My car was crashed this morning.

The vehicle has been recovered to my property. I have contacted my insurance company (Tesco) and made a claim, based the on information submitted they're indicating that it's beyond economical repair, subject to inspection after they've collected it.

I have a private registration on the car which I intend to keep, at what point should I be retaining the registration? After inspection or before?

I understand that if they write it off and pay out for it it becomes their vehicle and I don't want to inadvertently lose the plate.

TIA

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Now!

Put it on retention ASAP. Let Tesco know that B1 ABC has been put on retention and the vehicle is now CX56 JBP. They won't care and I didn't even physically remove my plates or put the new ones on.

Bad luck on the smash just before Christmas as well.

[Scuba_steve]

Cheers, thought as much. Yeah very poor timing, no injuries which is the main thing!

[Mr Squarekins]

yes, now.

I was in the same position.

Transferred the plates online from the car, then took the old plates down to the car (then in a compound) and asked if I could change them over. Recovery company agreed that it was a good idea too, as people will assume the private plate is 'fair game'.

Edited by Mr Squarekins on Monday 19th December 19:36

Edited by Mr Squarekins on Monday 19th December 19:37

[Cold]

As above, now. You'll need the current V5 on hand and £80 via a card to do it, but it's a straightforward process.

https://www.personalisedvehicleregistration.servic...

FWIW, my daughter's car was crashed into and written off on Thursday last week (15th). I did the retention while she was on hold with the insurance company. The replacement V5 arrived today. I was as surprised as you!