DVLA Failure to Insure - Unreasonable?

tildephi

Hi,

Need a bit of help/advice...

My eldest had a major problem with his car a few months back, it broke down and was taken off to a garage who had to strip down the engine to diagnose the problem. Turned out to be a broken piston and wasn't repairable. The options were to buy a new engine or scrap the car - since my son couldn't afford a new engine he agreed with the garage that they would take the car off him in lieu of payment for the diagnosis work, around £80. He signed the V5 document and left it and the car with the garage. He has had no contact with the garage since. We have no idea what has happened to the car, where it is or even whether it's been made roadworthy.

He's now received a "Failure to Insure" letter from the DVLA along with a £100 fine. The question is what to do about it? Can we dispute it?
My son is also now unemployed so can't pay the fine anyway.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

anotherbaldrick

There are instructions on the V5 on how to proceed when disposing of the car . These do not entail giving the whole thing to the new owner and walking away. He has no alternative but to reply to the DVLA with the information on when and where he handed over the document and the circumstances and pay the fine.

forgotmyname

Next on the list will be a fine for failing to notify them of a change of keeper.

It is now the sellers responsibility to notify the DVLA of a change of keeper.

Too many people buying a car then forgetting to send off the document, Just in case they get a speeding ticket or parking fine.

mgdavid

you can't really blame the lad for not knowing the exact procedure - but where was the wise advice from his parents when he needed it?

Jamie_Carter

mgdavid wrote: »

you can't really blame the lad for not knowing the exact procedure - but where was the wise advice from his parents when he needed it?

To be fair, all he had to do was read the instructions on the V5 form. Unless he has trouble reading, he shouldn't need his parents to do that for him.

paddedjohn

Are you sure you didn't post the V5C/3 section off for him? Think hard before you answer;)

Norman_Castle

Write to the dvla. DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. and explain you are no longer the owner of the car and give details of the new owner (the garage) and the date of sale. Sign and date the letter.