There are available insurance schemes covering the loss of personalised number plates , but are they a worthwhile expenditure? Let us look at the potential circumstances which could result in a claim.
The first would be the theft of the registration number on it’s own.To do this the criminal would nee your vehicle documents ( V5C log book,m.o.t and tax disc ) he would also have to forge your signature and change the address on your V5C.Unless you keep you V5C in the glovebox this is a low risk scenario.
Second would be the theft of the car with the number on it.Once again the thief would need your vehicle documents to be able to transfer the registration.It is no longer possible to obtain a duplicate log book as if someone other than you applies the DVLA will write to you immediately.If the car is not recovered you can get your registration number back through normal DVLA procedures although you will have to wait 12 months.Having insurance will not alter this rule.
Total loss is next.Assuming the car is a write off following an accident it should be easy enough to put the number on retention before you settle with the insurance company , do not part with the V5C until you have done this.
Failure to transfer the registration number before selling or trading the car is the last possible scenario.Registration numbers go with the car ( or more accurately the V5C ) sq it is recommended to always put the number on retention before you even advertise the car.Should the personalised number plate be lost through failure to do this it would amount to negligence on your part and it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
In summary it seems , in our opinion , that insuring your personalised number plate may not be as worthwhile as it might appear as there are already procedures in place to protect you.In any event the DVLA know where all cars and registration numbers are and can therefore trace them and a personalised number plate is of no use to anyone outside the uk so what would a thief do with it?
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