David W.
Very smooth transaction with good communication at each stage. Would definitely recommend.
No, but a good question! It's something plenty of drivers ask when they're thinking about adding a private reg to their motor. After all, insurance is already enough of a maze without adding number plates into the mix.
Will a private plate increase my insurance cost?
Nope. Simply having a private number plate doesn't affect your premium. Insurers don't care if your plate says D4 VID or Y370 WHT, as long as it's legal and properly registered.
The cost of your insurance is usually based on things like:
- Your driving history
- The value and type of your car
- Where it's parked overnight
- How many miles you drive per year
A private plate doesn't change any of that. So you won't see a jump in your premium just because you've personalised your reg.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I get a private plate?
Yes! You must inform them. While it won't affect the cost, your insurer needs to know your car has a new registration mark. It's all about making sure the details match up in their system. If you don't tell them, you could run into issues if you ever need to make a claim. Some insurers let you update the reg online; others might need a quick phone call. Either way, best to do it straight after the plate is assigned to your vehicle.
What about retained or transferred plates?
If your private plate is on retention, it won't affect your insurance at all. Same goes if you're transferring it to another vehicle — just remember to update your insurer each time.
Pro tip: Update your V5C too.
Once your plate is assigned, you'll need to get a new updated V5C logbook. It's important the reg on your insurance policy matches this document. That way, everything ties up neatly in case of any checks or claims. This is something that's easy to do — especially if you use our Reg Transfer Service.
In a nutshell.
- A private plate doesn't raise your insurance price
- But you must let your insurer know when you change it
- Always check your documents match your current plate
Still unsure or need help with paperwork? That's what we're here for. Whether you're mid-switch or just browsing, we'll walk you through every step.