Trying to get my number plate back

[Gurditt]

I have a pretty random query, I had an old car that was declared SORN and it had my late grandfathers number plate on it. The car was stolen and never recovered by the police. DVLA say that as it was not insured and road taxed at the time of it being stolen I cannot transfer the plate and it is lost forever unless I can insure the car again. It has been a few years now and thought, why don't I just call the insurance company and see if they will insure the vehicle. I therefore wanted to ask if the insurance company would check to see if the car was stolen before insuring it and getting it road taxed.

If anyone may have a solution to my problem I would be most grateful as this plate is very personal to me. Thanks

 

[LTD]

If it was stolen and not recovered how can you insure it ?

 

[Gurditt]

Well that is what I am asking. Will the insurance company check a database before insuring the vehicle? Because if they don't then they will insure it without having to see the vehicle so won't matter that I don't have it

 

[vauxhallmaniac]

According to DVLA form V317 the vehicle the registration is to be retained from also needs an MOT certificate http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consu...n/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_069390.pdf

 

[Gurditt]

Hmm I have a friend that owns a garage he may be able to give me a certificate

 

[vauxhallmaniac]

They can also ask to inspect the vehicle, when i purchsed mine through Registration Transfers it was delayed while the owner took his ageing triumph herald down to his local DVLA office for inspection... I think you friend may have some explaining to do as to how a vehicle already listed as stolen/missing suddenly passed its MOT!!!

 

[w44nty]

I had a private plate on a car that was stolen,when I enquired about retaining the number dvla told me that if it is stolen and unrecovered after 12 months i could apply to get the number back.

The car was recovered 10 months later damaged beyond repair,when I tried to get the number back they would not let me have it because the MOT had expired,I tried everywhere to fight this case even my local MP,I still did not get the plate back,I asked what happened to the number I was told it would be deleted from the records,I said if thats the case why can't i have it back,thats the rules I was told.

It will be interesting to see if you get your number back,if so and I hope you do,I can use your case as an argument to get mine back

Best of luck

 

[paul hayward]

sorry to say it ...you stand no chance of getting the plate back im afraid...DVLA always win .... i jumped through a million hoops on one of my old classic cars and they still took the plate off the car and re issued a different plate

long story .. short .... DVLA rules .... you cant get the number back

 

[Frontstep]

I think the fundamental problem is you never actually own a car registration number you lease it and the mark will already have been reclaimed by the DVLA.
The suggestions to manipulate the system will probably lead to a visit from the Police.
Your number left with your car in all probability, there is though nothing to stop you writing to the DVLA and explaining your position, the reply may give you something to pursue.

 

[jberks]

I think the fundamental problem is you never actually own a car registration number you lease it and the mark will already have been reclaimed by the DVLA.

Thats interesting in legal terms.
I have heard of similar arguments with the DVLA. That they simply apply a plate to a car and therefore don't recognise the concept of 'ownership' of cherished numbers. That was certainly their attitude in the 80s. However, since the DVLA now actively sell plates to the public, it would be hard for them to claim that a plate has no value and as it has a value they can't simply take it back. A court's view would be interesting...
If anyone was prepared to challenge them.

 

[whitenemesis]

They sell the right to carry the plate not the right to the number itself? Presumably they can withdraw that right in accordance with their T&Cs. Which of course we all read ...

 

[Uncle]

Its the same story if you have an accident and the car is written off - you lose the cherished plate - you would have get the plate on retention before you let the insurance assessor near or get any repair estimates.....

 

[Howard]

Exactly as i did when my last CLK was badly smashed up at a roundabout.

First thing , I got it recovered , next thing , I got the plate on retention.

I guess with hindsight , you could have done this the day after it was stolen.

 

[Frontstep]

Thats interesting in legal terms.
I have heard of similar arguments with the DVLA. That they simply apply a plate to a car and therefore don't recognise the concept of 'ownership' of cherished numbers. That was certainly their attitude in the 80s. However, since the DVLA now actively sell plates to the public, it would be hard for them to claim that a plate has no value and as it has a value they can't simply take it back. A court's view would be interesting...
If anyone was prepared to challenge them.

unfortunately the answer is rather dull,
if you are really really bored you can follow the path of legislation from Hansard below this points towards the OP's likely transgressions if he followed the paths he has outlined above;

http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2001/jan/30/offence-of-making-false-statements





but I would countenance against it !

 

[S500al]

Yes ... sadly the DVLA are just legalised theives.