Company Car Towing A Caravan - Some Questions

CeePeeBee

Hi all,

I have a few questions about my Company Car, and getting it to tow a Caravan. I've done some due dilligence, but I'm struggling with the speed of response as well as some black holes in my knowledge and hoping you can assist!

So, my Company have confirmed that our leasing company are happy for my to tow a caravan, and get a tow bar fitted (result - we're off to a good start). So, we're now perusing caravans and we've found one. However there are a few more gotchas.

1. In order to get an additional license plate I need to provide some documentation as to my status as the driver of this company car. From what I can see this is usually either a letter from the leasing company (good luck...can't get them to respond) or the V5C or VE103A. I have a VE103A however it's in the previous drivers name. Does anybody know the "normal" procedure for rectifying this with a company/leasing agent?
2. Caravan insurance - I'm assuming I'll need similar documentation for that?

Any other gotchas I might have missed, I'd gladly be in receipt of you filling in the gaps.

Many thanks in advance!

Rolandtheroadie

Never been asked for proof of who I am when getting a number plate, so can't see the name being an issue. I've bought off ebay before as well without having to supply the V5C.
 What do you mean about the caravan insurance? We insured our caravan, it had nothing to do with the tow vehicle. Our car policy covered us for the actual towing and any 3rd party issues that could arise from an accident. 

452

You can buy road legal number plates on eBay without a V5.

Or the cheap option is, remove the rear plate from the car and put it on the van when towing. 

bogan123

Also ensure you have the B+E allowance or the total combination is less than 3500kg or the trailer <500kg (I think - I didn't have B+E and got bored trying to find a Caravan that would fit so got the B+E license).

CeePeeBee

Hello,
Msny thanks for your responses. Very interesting as every seller on eBay wants proof of identification along with a DVLA approved document. Which items are you guys suggesting?

As for the license, got that covered.

Car_54

452 said:

Or the cheap option is, remove the rear plate from the car and put it on the van when towing. 

Illegal.

chrisw

452 said:

You can buy road legal number plates on eBay without a V5.

I've bought mine from eBay without documents in the past but it appears they've clamped down on it now.

CeePeeBee

chrisw said:

452 said:

You can buy road legal number plates on eBay without a V5.

I've bought mine from eBay without documents in the past but it appears they've clamped down on it now.

Which brings me back to my original point. How can I possibly get one when I'm not the registered keeper due to my company car lease as per original question?

marlot

Contrary to the comment above, it is perfectly legal to move the number plate from the car to the caravan when towing.  I was stopped (they wanted to make sure the caravan was mine), but the traffic cop said it was legal - the outfit becomes one vehicle in the eyes of the law.

But the better way is to get an updated VE103 from the leasing company.  I had to get a new one each year if taking the car abroad, so they're well used to it.  (Mine always had 12 months validity - I don't know if that's still the case).

There's no legal requirement to have caravan insurance.  The car insurance covers third party risks when towing.  But highly recommended.

marlot

PS. THere's a great caravan forum at https://www.caravantalk.co.uk/community/

marlot

>> Any other gotchas I might have missed, I'd gladly be in receipt of you filling in the gaps
You'll need a B+E category on your licence, or a very light caravan.
The caravan club do a great practical caravanning course.  I wish I'd done it earlier.
There are lots of damp caravans out there.  Read up on damp tests!
Lots of tips here: https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/gettingstarted/newtocaravans/