New insurance rules roll out...

[Andy]

Just heard this on the radio, so I guess they're now going to start enforcing this. It could effect those who have a car laid up over winter and don't insure it.

From 'Spring' (nice and precise) 2011, the DVLA will be comparing their database of taxed vehicles against the database of insured cars. So if you tax your car and come winter lay it up and let your insurance run out for renewal in the summer, you WILL be committing an offence. True big brother style this, you don't have to be caught on the road, they just assume you're breaking the law.

I have just SORN's the other Mondeo I have as I thought it was ok to leave it with just tax and keep it off road, as in hidden from the road on my drive. Now they'll be sending letters through the post with FPN of £100, then they can issue a court summons etc...

More info here... http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_186696\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Useless DVLA website

[Fieldy]

Yep, but I have always either had a car with all the MOT, Tax + Insurance or none of them... I have never actually owned a car with tax and no insurance...

It still won't stop the insurance skivers

[philoldsmobile]

I must admit, I kinda see their point.

you could let the insurance run out on a car, but if its taxed, leave it parked on the road. if the handbrake fails, and the car rolls away and hits someone its uninsured. SORN was designed to declare a car off the road, and if its uninsured its supposed to be off the road.

also some people think driving an uninsured car is ok if its taxed, because there is no obvious way of telling its uninsured if its taxed, without running the number plate.

[Andy]

I get it too, but in my situation now, I have my other Mondeo sat on the drive. I switched insurance from one to the other as I had the intention of selling it with two months tax to go. I now have to declare it sorn'd giving away what tax I had on it, and hope to find a buyer willing to put tax on it to when they buy it...

[HardRockCamaro]

To be honest I would never let the insurance lapse, and lay up cover just wasn't worth it for me.  I did let the tax lapse though (well sorned it) while it was insured, but not the other way around...

Still don't like their idea though, where is the evidence you have actually broken the law?  Until the car goes on the public highway without insurance no offense has been committed.  Guilty until proven innocent?  I'd like to see that stand up in court...

[FUBAR]

TBH everyone should probably be more concerned about the impact of something like this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12633382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12633382

[Andy]

Quoting: HardRockCamaro

Still don't like their idea though, where is the evidence you have actually broken the law? Until the car goes on the public highway without insurance no offense has been committed. Guilty until proven innocent? I'd like to see that stand up in court..

No, you don't have to be caught apparently, they're just going to compare the DVLA database with the MID one and if the two don't match issue you with a letter explaining the situation. I think the FPN for £100 comes after a warning shot.

[philoldsmobile]

if you sorn the car, the balance of the tax is refunded if you send the tax back to DVLA

[art b]

Quoting: FUBAR

TBH everyone should probably be more concerned about the impact of something like this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12633382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12633382

Migrants from the eight countries which joined the EU in 2004 will be able to claim full benefits in the UK for the first time from May.

Estimates in The Times suggest as many as 100,000 migrants could claim tens of millions of pounds in benefits.

we motorist had better start getting used to  paying even more tax then, for the sscrounging scumworthy migrant.... or go to other european countries and see how much benefit their offering us ...