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Topic: Is re-registration a legal requirement?

dk168

05/10/2020 at 12:19pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Stupid here, however, please advise if re-registration as a motor caravan is a legal requirement once my van is professionally converted from a panel van.

From what I have researched and read so far, including DVLA's site, it is not a legal requirement.

However, re-registering the van as a motor caravan has advantages such as:

Cheaper Campervan Insurance
More specific insurance cover including greater contents cover
Cheaper ferry prices
Cheaper M.O.T.
Faster speed limits on certain types of roads

Thanks for your help in advance.

DK

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dk168

05/10/2020 at 5:20pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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It is not a legal requirement, therefore, please ignore, ta!

DK

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spiritburner

05/10/2020 at 7:28pm
Location: NE England
Outfit: Citroen Dispatch Campervan plus tents

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 05/10/2020
Stupid here, however, please advise if re-registration as a motor caravan is a legal requirement once my van is professionally converted from a panel van.

From what I have researched and read so far, including DVLA's site, it is not a legal requirement.

However, re-registering the van as a motor caravan has advantages such as:

Cheaper Campervan Insurance
More specific insurance cover including greater contents cover
Cheaper ferry prices
Cheaper M.O.T.
Faster speed limits on certain types of roads

Thanks for your help in advance.

DK

It used to be as recently as May 2019. I'd be surprised if that's changed.

Cheaper Campervan Insurance - not necessarily an issue if not re-registered. Some insurers have wised up
More specific insurance cover including greater contents cover - as above
Cheaper ferry prices - not necessarily. Got a recent quote for <7m & van was same as motorhome
Cheaper M.O.T. - only a few quid if 3.5t+ at max price but garages can charge less. Mine do. Last one was free.
Faster speed limits on certain types of roads - not necessarily an issue if not re-registered. Van under 2040kg that meet the dual purpose criteria have normal car limits.

edit - dual purpose upper limit is 2040kg, not 3.5T

Post last edited on 05/10/2020 20:02:46

trevlunar

05/10/2020 at 11:35pm
Location: lancs
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Cheaper ferry prices - not necessarily. Got a recent quote for <7m & van was same as motorhome

Vans pay normal rate on ferries, usually classed as a private vehicle unless carrying freight for hire or reward.

dk168

05/10/2020 at 11:55pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Thanks for the advice.

I was planning to re-register as a motor caravan as soon as it is converted, however, there are complications that I cannot disclose.

I can re-register after a certain period has lapsed, just not right away, which is fine if it is not a legal requirement to do so.

DK

spiritburner

06/10/2020 at 7:47am
Location: NE England
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Cool. The wording has been updated on the DVLA website since they published more detail on external requirements. It used to state that if your conversion met all the requirements to be registered as a motor caravan is was a legal requirement to do so. Given the reasons why they are rejecting vehicles that don't fit the criteria I can't see why they'd be ok with one's that do not bing reclassified. However the wording to that effect is now gone from the site so I reckon you should be ok.

decor55

06/10/2020 at 9:04am
Location: wales
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the other aspect is you must inform the insurance if you modify the vehicle, ie any fixings that would not be in a standard van if anything happens and it gets written off you might not get paid off. my little van combo they wanted to know if shelves were fitted. as long as you notify them they cannot refuse once accepted.

spiritburner

06/10/2020 at 10:25am
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Aye - ours is backed up with photo's.

dk168

06/10/2020 at 6:04pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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I shall insure it as a camper van once it is converted.

DK

Joe67

06/10/2020 at 10:39pm
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 06/10/2020
I shall insure it as a camper van once it is converted.

DK

It will have to be registered with the DVLA as a motorcaravan for the insurance. I know this as I was going to insure a van I was going to buy, the insurance company told me is is van and would not accept is as a motorcaravan.

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spiritburner

06/10/2020 at 11:38pm
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Incorrect. That's down to the insurance company you used. Many insurers will insure without the classification. Our insurer is one.

DVLA wouldn't reclassify our van after a pro conversion last year even though it met their published requirements at the time (external requirements were under review for inclusion on website but being enforced prior to being published).

dk168

07/10/2020 at 8:32pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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I shall seek advice from the converter re: insurance as their own personal vans were not re-registered as motor caravans after being converted.

DK

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