Help, no insurance!

alm721

DUTR wrote: »

You would like to think so, but the VED would only be issued on proof of valid documentation which would include insurance, I get the impression the OP has simply purchased the plates and put them on the car, as all the other features of the process are dependant on each other.

We always had insurance, you can't change the insurance until you have changed the number so you send your current insurance cert with the V5 and everything else. All this was done so the V5, and tax disc etc are all right with the new plate, its just the insurance.

DUTR

alm721 wrote: »

I did take theinsurance certificate but the policeman wouldn't look at it. He said as it was in the old number plate there was no point as it wouldn't make a difference. I did ask could he not check the insurance cert against the van details but he said he couldn't until dvla were open in the monring.

From what you have written a prosecution will not be succesful for no insurance, you have 7 days to produce the valid documents and that you di do, sounds like you may need to see a solicitor if a notice of prosecuttion arrives.

alm721

I did take the orginal insurance cert, but this didn't prove we were insured as it had the original number plate on it. They also had the new insurance cet but that was from the date (19th) that I rang them. The police say neither of these prove we were insured. The insurance company say that the policy documents will (they've obviously not arrived yet) as they say, 'mid term policy change' ?

alm721

dacouch wrote: »

Ask your Insurers for a "Letter of indemnity" stating they would have indemnified you for claims at the time you were stopped

I have already asked them to put it in writing, but they said they wouldn't at this time? as the policy documents stating that it was a mid term change, should cover us? They have said to go back to them if this isn't enough, and have also said they would confirm to the police that we were insured, should they ring them.
I'm just worried that the police officer told us insurance companies are reluctant to put things in writing incase they are then proved to be at fault? The insurance company can't tell me we were covered over the phone, but then go back on it can they? I have spoken to 3 different people who all told me we were covered, but their lack of willingness to send me a letter confirming this straight away, worries me.

Trebor16

The best way to do your request to the insurance company is in writing rather than over the phone.

alm721

Thank-you, Will put it in writing tomorrow.

forgotmyname

The new policy will be dated after the incident, So in black and white, Sorry but im not allowed to think
mode, They were not insured so the prosecutions rests.

As already said you need a letter from your insurance saying there was a mix up with the vehicle reg number
and you were still insured.

Not sure if sending a letter saying the same to the police station or someone a bit higher up will get it sorted
much quicker for you.

One thing though you should keep everything in writing and keep pestering them. Dont ignore anything until you
have it in writing that its all been dropped.

dacouch

alm721 wrote: »

I have already asked them to put it in writing, but they said they wouldn't at this time? as the policy documents stating that it was a mid term change, should cover us? They have said to go back to them if this isn't enough, and have also said they would confirm to the police that we were insured, should they ring them.
I'm just worried that the police officer told us insurance companies are reluctant to put things in writing incase they are then proved to be at fault? The insurance company can't tell me we were covered over the phone, but then go back on it can they? I have spoken to 3 different people who all told me we were covered, but their lack of willingness to send me a letter confirming this straight away, worries me.

Your situation is not that rare, the Insurer will not normally like to back date a Certificate of Insurance to the date of the stop. They can however produce a "Letter of Indemnity" confirming they would have paid claims for that reg etc. This (Providing it is correctly worded etc) would be acceptable to the police.

Producing a letter of indemnity is the normal way to deal with your situation.

Most call center staff have very little understanding of Insurance and have probably never heard of a letter of indemnity. If they have they will often fob you off as it's quite involved.

The letter would not normally be issued by them but by a senior underwritter.

Ring the Insurers up, politely ask for a senior member of staff and explain the situation. Politely insist on a letter of Indemnity being issued and also keep the police informed of the situation eg if it will arrive after the time period they have allowed you as they will sometimes allow an extension

Dave101t

this isnt just an error on your part, its breaking the law! of course you have no comeback.

cyclonebri1

Dave101t wrote: »

this isnt just an error on your part, its breaking the law! of course you have no comeback.

I agree set up the gallows
, , some folks


And what was it Hammyman said?, "the law requires them to impound the car"? I thought it "enabled" them too, which leaves some disgretion.