Olazz
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2010
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Court & Insurance Fiasco
So my cruiser has been fully taxed and insured whilst in the UK and whilst being driven on UK roads.
In June 2012 I ship the vehicle (fully insured) to Africa on a Carnet. The vehicle is insured in the UK and on the ship. It also has a valid RFL to Feb 2013.
In July I am informed by my insurer that as the vehicle is now outside of European jurisdiction, they will no longer insure the vehicle.
In July the vehicle arrives in SA. Despite repeated attempts, thorough contacts in the Insurance industry, no insurer in SA will insure a foreign registered vehicle on a temp Carnet. (Insurance is not mandatory in SA).
In August I cancel my UK insurance as I am not covered in the UK or in Africa and I inform DVLA vehicle is in Africa on carnet.
In November I get a notice of intended prosecution for having a non-insured vehicle.
I write to the DVLA with copies of bill of lading, customs clearance, and signed and stamped carnet, together with letter from insurers telling me vehicle cannot be insured.... besides the vehicle is not being driven on UK roads. End of story me thinks.
Oh no, DVLA decide to continue with prosecution and levy a £1,000 fine for no insurance..... or I can plead guilty and pay a £250 fine now.
I repeat response... No joy.
Court date set...for Feb. Appear in court with all documents and explain the situation.
I explain vehicle is NOT in the UK and hasn't been on UK roads since June 2012.... court says NO... vehicle must be insured... try to explain again.... court says no vehicle must be insured....
Refuse to accept the decision as its absurd, protest I .
Told vehicle must be insured even if it's not in the UK and not being driven on UK roads.
Explain that NO insurer will insure a UK vehicle that is in SA... you guessed it... court says NO, vehicle must be insured.
I challenge the court then to provide details of a UK insurer, that will insure the vehicle in the UK whilst said vehicle is in SA and I'll happily oblige. Much deliberation between magistrates and the J.C.
Case adjourned to today.
Appear in court with written testament, and as a professional witness, the head of a LLoyds syndicate.
Court still says NO... vehicle must be insured or exported PERMANENTLY. Fine however reduced to £50!
On leaving the court, I am informed that if I declare the vehicle as SORN then I will not have to insure it, or export it permanently!!!!!!
What a complete waste of my time and public money...But of course I own my own home, I pay lots of tax, obey the law, am easily traceable and therefore and easy target to pursue for money.
Bunch of Buffoons !
So my cruiser has been fully taxed and insured whilst in the UK and whilst being driven on UK roads.
In June 2012 I ship the vehicle (fully insured) to Africa on a Carnet. The vehicle is insured in the UK and on the ship. It also has a valid RFL to Feb 2013.
In July I am informed by my insurer that as the vehicle is now outside of European jurisdiction, they will no longer insure the vehicle.
In July the vehicle arrives in SA. Despite repeated attempts, thorough contacts in the Insurance industry, no insurer in SA will insure a foreign registered vehicle on a temp Carnet. (Insurance is not mandatory in SA).
In August I cancel my UK insurance as I am not covered in the UK or in Africa and I inform DVLA vehicle is in Africa on carnet.
In November I get a notice of intended prosecution for having a non-insured vehicle.
I write to the DVLA with copies of bill of lading, customs clearance, and signed and stamped carnet, together with letter from insurers telling me vehicle cannot be insured.... besides the vehicle is not being driven on UK roads. End of story me thinks.
Oh no, DVLA decide to continue with prosecution and levy a £1,000 fine for no insurance..... or I can plead guilty and pay a £250 fine now.
I repeat response... No joy.
Court date set...for Feb. Appear in court with all documents and explain the situation.
I explain vehicle is NOT in the UK and hasn't been on UK roads since June 2012.... court says NO... vehicle must be insured... try to explain again.... court says no vehicle must be insured....
Refuse to accept the decision as its absurd, protest I .
Told vehicle must be insured even if it's not in the UK and not being driven on UK roads.
Explain that NO insurer will insure a UK vehicle that is in SA... you guessed it... court says NO, vehicle must be insured.
I challenge the court then to provide details of a UK insurer, that will insure the vehicle in the UK whilst said vehicle is in SA and I'll happily oblige. Much deliberation between magistrates and the J.C.
Case adjourned to today.
Appear in court with written testament, and as a professional witness, the head of a LLoyds syndicate.
Court still says NO... vehicle must be insured or exported PERMANENTLY. Fine however reduced to £50!
On leaving the court, I am informed that if I declare the vehicle as SORN then I will not have to insure it, or export it permanently!!!!!!
What a complete waste of my time and public money...But of course I own my own home, I pay lots of tax, obey the law, am easily traceable and therefore and easy target to pursue for money.
Bunch of Buffoons !
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