Lost Your Reg Plate? Here’s What to Do Next
Losing your vehicle registration plate can be a frustrating experience. Whether it was stolen, damaged, or misplaced, taking immediate action to protect yourself and your vehicle is crucial.
In this blog post, we will help guide you through the steps to take if you have recently lost your registration plate in the UK. Let’s get started!
Report the Loss or Theft
The first and most crucial step is to report the loss or theft of your registration plate to the authorities. Contact your local police station and provide them with all the relevant details. Remeber to include everything from your registration number, and vehicle details, to the circumstances surrounding the loss. This report will help protect you if your plates are used for illegal activities or fraud.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the loss or theft of your registration plate. Be prepared, as they may require you to provide a copy of the police report as evidence. During this time, your insurance company will guide you on any additional steps you need to take and may offer assistance obtaining replacement plates.
Replacing The Plates
To replace your lost or stolen registration plates, you have a couple of choices: you can either go through the DVLA or via a business like UK Reg Plates, which sells replacement number plates. The process is a little more involved if you want to go through the DVLA, as there are forms to fill out, applications to be sent, and fees to be paid.
Fit the Replacement Plates
Once you receive the replacement plates from the DVLA, it’s time to fit them into your vehicle. Remember to ensure that the new plates meet the legal requirements set by the DVLA, such as the correct font, size, and spacing of the characters. Using a reputable number plate supplier is advisable to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Inform Relevant Authorities
After fitting your replacement plates, it’s essential to inform the relevant authorities and update the necessary documents. Here’s what you need to do:
- Notify the DVLA: Inform the DVLA about the replacement plates by updating your vehicle registration certificate (V5C) or logbook. You can do this online or by completing Form V62 – Application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate and sending it to the DVLA.
- Inform the Police: If you reported the loss or theft to the police, update them about the replacement plates and provide any necessary documentation they may require.
- Inform Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the replacement plates and provide them with the updated information. They may need to update their records and issue a new insurance certificate.
Remember to keep copies of all the relevant documents and correspondence for your records.
To Sum Up
Of course, losing your vehicle registration plate can be inconvenient. However, by following these steps, you can take the necessary actions to protect yourself and obtain replacement plates. Reporting the loss or theft, notifying the authorities, getting replacement plates through the DVLA, fitting the new plates correctly, and updating relevant documents
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