Vehicle Registration Plate Cloning This is a growing concern for motorists
Posted on 7th October 2024 at 12:00
Vehicle registration cloning has become a prevlanet issue for UK drivers.
In recent years, vehicle registration plate cloning has become an increasingly prevalent issue for UK drivers. This criminal activity involves duplicating a legitimate vehicle's registration plate and using it on another vehicle, often to avoid fines, charges, or to mask the identity of a stolen car.
The impact on innocent motorists can be significant. Victims of plate cloning may find themselves receiving unexpected penalty notices, parking fines, or even more serious allegations of criminal activity. In fact, reports to the DVLA about cloned plates increased by 26% between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 10,000 motorists affected.
To protect yourself from plate cloning:
Be cautious when sharing photos of your vehicle online, especially those showing the registration plate.
Always update your V5C document promptly when selling your car.
If you receive unexpected fines or notices, contact the issuing authority immediately to dispute the claim.
Report any suspicions of plate cloning to the Police (dial 101) and DVLA as soon as possible.
At Hedon Insurance, we understand the stress and inconvenience caused by such incidents. This even happened to Sally, our Managing Director and while comprehensive car insurance may not directly cover plate cloning, BD Elite Motor Legal Expenses covers the costs and expenses for defending a civil or legal prosecution arising from the use of vehicles identity by a third party without permission.
Remember, staying vigilant and acting quickly are key to minimising the impact of this growing crime.
This BBC story highlights a driver who received thousands of pounds worth of fines for journeys he didn’t make.
Tagged as: vehicle registration cloning
Share this post: