Tax Disc...

[spaced]

Whats the rules with a tax disc? My mate has a new car, MOT'd, insured but ca not buy a tax disc until he gets the insurance certificate and cover note from the insurers. Tax runs out tonight and documents may not arrive until monday. How will this effect insurace in the event of a knock?? Any suggestions?

[tigga]

I had a similar problem recently, i had to produce insurance at the police station, they were happy to accept a faxed copy of the cover note or written evidence from my insurers, maybe the post office can do the same, or you can now tax your car online.

[dannydingbat]

Under the terms of the Road Traffic Act, insurance is not operative until the certificate has been delivered to the person covered. Faxes and photocopies are not valid for this purpose. Your mate should go the post office as soon as the documents appear. If in doubt about whether cover operates, he had better keep the car at home. If he can't he should check with the insurance company. He may be able to buy tax online.

[furrycheeky]

If your friend has a new style MOT, and his insurance company are using the Motor Insurance Database scheme then he can tax the car online at the DVLA website with a credit card. If no to either of these then he will have to wait until the insurance turns up. The post office will not take a fax or photocopy, only original documents.
It would be wise not to drive the car in this instance, being caught means definite fine, possible car impounding and fee for release.

[DirtyHabit]

I am sure it use to be an offence not to display a tax disc, even if you have one. So I wonder if that is still the case. If the car has a new database MOT and the insurance company is databased and you tax it online, how do you stand until it arrives and it is on your windscreen.

[furrycheeky]

Interesting point, you would be protected against road tax cameras as your reg number would not be flagged as unpaid. Only problem would be police/traffic wardens. The DVLA website gives no information unfortuately.
Best not to drive the car and get the tax in person the day the insurance arrives.

[chapney69]

I have just signed up to this site having done a search on the internet for answers to the same sort of question. I have just spoken to the DVLA and asked them if it is possible to drive my Lancia Beta knowing that it is insured and MOT'd with the vehicle database. I am waiting for the insurance certificate to arrive, it should have been here today! They have told me this is a definate "NO" - i suppose the Polizei would want to know i have paid my dough to Mr Blair's stupid regime - by the way the car is also over 25 now but thanks to this stupid man i have to part with my hard-earned to be legal. Hey-ho!