HELP!!! Car tax runs out today, I can't find insurance certificate!

JDMYOFAN

Hi all,

My reminder came through on Wed 28th stating I need to renew tax, though to do it online, I need to give 5 working days notice.

So I take the option of going to the post office.. Turns out, I can't find my insurance certificate..... (I know I was stupid for asuming I'd find it today)

I could obviously spend a few hours today attempting to find this certificate, but there's the possibility I won't find it. I know I'm insured and asked the insurance company to send me another one this morning.

If i were to purchase the car tax online today, where would I stand? Am I able to drive the car, knowing the tax is in the post? Is it illegal? Do I need to display some form of receipt?

Thanks

windowshopping

Hi

I done mine on line last night, you don't need your insurance details online cos they check the insurance and mot national database before they allow you to proceed, all you need is the reference number on your reminder and the reference number on your log book.

I always do mine last minute on line and usually it arrives within about two - three days and at the end of the process it gives you a reference number to show that you've purchased it online so I always jot in down and keep it in the car as proof should anyone question my tax until it arrives.

JDMYOFAN

Thanks, I've done online tax before, just never left it to the last minute. I can't afford a fine or worse, to be towed for not displaying a valid tax disc.

Keith

nj106 wrote: »

Thanks, I've done online tax before, just never left it to the last minute. I can't afford a fine or worse, to be towed for not displaying a valid tax disc.

Last time I did one at Post Office they scanned the barcode on the reminder and didn't check docs I think they have the same system as the website

dannynixon

I fell into the same trap as the OP. I taxed mine online the day before and drove around for the next couple of days with an out of date tax disc in the window until my new one came in. I had no other choice so I was simply hoping that if I were stopped, I would simply be able to give my tax disc when I got it. After all, the tax starts from when it is paid and not when you get it through the post.

lilac_lady

I think it's an offence not to DISPLAY an up to date tax disc no matter when it was bought.

LandyAndy

lilac_lady wrote: »

I think it's an offence not to DISPLAY an up to date tax disc no matter when it was bought.

This is correct.

JDMYOFAN

That's what I heard, however, I have heard stories that as long as you can prove you have one, then you won't be fined?

As it could be genuine that the tax disc holder fell of, or something equally unlikely :P

Hintza

Take the form run down to PO and ask if they can without insurance if so pay. If they can't go back home and do it online. In my experience the cops won't be chasing up folk who are a day or so overdue (unless you annoy them)

foolsgold99

The advice here is very good anad accurate. Firstly buy your tax online (insurance is checked via the new database). Technically you can still be fined £60 for failing to display, however, should this happen you would have a good excuse and you shouldn't have to pay. Delivery of the tax disc is very quick (usually within 2 days). In the meantime still display your expired one. Ther is an unwritten rule between cops that 2 weeks grace is given before they charge you. Also if you display the expired one you legally cannot be charged with 'failing to display'.

Hope that this helps

nickmack

lilac_lady wrote: »

I think it's an offence not to DISPLAY an up to date tax disc no matter when it was bought.

Yes, it is.

Now tax can be checked electronically, can anyone think of any need to actually have the requirement to display the tax disc, apart from making money from people who don't?