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DVLA Vehicle Write Off by Insurance

As a rule, vehicles with severe damage get scrapped and written off by an insurance company. But, there is a set procedure to inform DVLA about a write off vehicle.

BEYOND REPAIR: Insurers will often write off a totaled vehicle instead of repairing it. The process of writing off, and then scrapping a vehicle, has the same outcome as selling it to the insurance company.

Therefore, you must inform the DVLA if your vehicle gets written off and scrapped. Prepare to enter some information online including:

  • The name and postcode of your insurance company. Enter this information in the section titled ‘provide trader details’.
  • The registration number of your written off vehicle.
  • The eleven digit reference number in section 9 of the log book (V5C/3).

Note: The online service to tell DVLA about a written off vehicle is only available from 7am to 7pm.

Extra Advice and Information

Failing to inform the DVLA that your insurer has written off your vehicle can result in a fine of £1,000.

When you tell the DVLA that your vehicle got written off you must also:

  • Ensure the correct name and address are on the V5C log book. You must use postal methods to inform them if any of the details are incorrect.
  • Take a private registration number off the vehicle (where applicable).

Note: After informing the DVLA of a vehicle write off you can destroy the yellow slip from the log book. There is no need to send this part to them. But, you will need to hand over the rest of the V5C log book to your insurance company.

The final part of the process is for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to send you:

Tell DVLA about a Vehicle Write Off by Post

If you use postal methods you should fill in section nine (9) of your log book (V5C) and then send it to the DVLA address.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD

The insurance company may request to get the complete log book. If so, you should write a letter to the DVLA. Give them the details of your insurance company and the date you gave the vehicle to your insurer.

The final part of the process is for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to send you:

  • A letter that confirms you are no longer the registered keeper of the vehicle.
  • A vehicle road tax refund for any remaining full months after the DVLA get the information. A Direct Debit payment method will get an automatic cancellation.

Inform DVLA of Write Off Vehicle in the United Kingdom