Quick question about moving a reg plate & insurance

[macp]

Morning all
We are considering putting a plate we have on retention onto our current car. My question is with regard to insurance. We will not get the new plates for a couple of days. So we will be driving around on the old reg No. My question is do we inform the insurers of the new reg No immediately. Even though the new plates will not be on the car yet ?

I feel like we should. But im just not certain.

Thankyou in advance.

[ferret50]

When you mount the replacement plate phone your insurer. Be sat down as they will most likely demand an 'admin fee'....at least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask when demanding money!

A day or two either way will make little difference, it's the same vehicle with the same VIN number afterall. Well, that's what I told myself when I bought a replacement for the camper whilst I was in Portugal...not realising that the agent would do the transfer almost as soon as I had paid!

[Ranger 6]

Wait until you have the plates in your hands before doing the on-line swap - it's instant.

Put the plates on the car - then tell the insurance company before driving away

[alscar]

Ranger 6 said:

Wait until you have the plates in your hands before doing the on-line swap - it's instant.

Put the plates on the car - then tell the insurance company before driving away

This seems the most sensible advice.

I've only ever assigned private plates on brand new vehicles so that's simpler and for the car the private plate is taken off there are usually 3 days grace.
Once you have done the transaction online the new reg is the reg so at the very least if you drive without changing the plates I would carry any paperwork with you on your phone just in case.

[MustangGT]

Indeed, the MIB database is updated by the insurance company, therefore will still show the old number plate until you inform them of the change. Inform them at the same time as you physically change the plates.

[steveo3002]

agree , do the transfer /fit plates at the same time you tell the insurance

might be worth carrying proof of insurance if you worry as mine showed up as uninsured for 72 hrs

[Car bon]

If you're anywhere close to insurance renewal, wait for that.

I was charged a shocking admin fee.

[E-bmw]

I have changed with several "online" Ins Companies over the years & many don't charge in my experience to do it online.

[SS2.]

E-bmw said:

I have changed with several "online" Ins Companies over the years & many don't charge in my experience to do it online.

I know of one insurer who increases the premium (significantly) on certain vehicles where a private plate masks its true age - it can make the vehicle more attractive to thieves, apparently.

[Sebring440]

SS2. said:

- it can make the vehicle more attractive to thieves, apparently.

I wonder where that logic comes from? If the car is stolen for parts, the reg number makes no difference. If the car is stolen to be driven by the thief (or sold on), the reg number makes no difference as they'll have to change it.

[RSTurboPaul]

Be cautious if ordering plates before the reg is assigned - blank the retention certificate reference numbers out if sending it online, as that is all that is needed to assign it to an unscrupulous person's vehicle, leaving the purchaser with the headache of raising a theft/fraud issue through DVLA.

Even purchasing in person might have potential (albeit hopefully very small) risk.

I'd just order from Fancyplates or similar based in Ireland - they can still provide correct/legal plates with the postcode/manufacturer text (if you are bothered by that) and they don't require all your docs to do so.