Car registration and ramifications

[camille79]

My BF lives in a city-centre location where they are about to bring in parking restrictions.  Although I don;t officially live at his house (I have a flat near work), I spend most weekends and holidays there and always bring my car (he doesn't drive so relies on me for big shops, recycling etc).  When these new regulations come in, residents can apply for a permit for a car registered in their name at that address for �50/yr but any visitors will need to pay approx �10 per day to park.

Would it be possible, advisable or legal for me to "give" my car to the OH and for him to get it registered in his name at that address so he can get a permit to park it.  How will it affect insurance etc?

[Loosehead]

The registered keeper of the vehicle does not need to be the legal owner so yes you can get him to register the car. I don't know what your insurers are going to make of it though, ask them, they may have provision for this situation.

[BillyNoMates]

It's perhaps worth checking if they offer a 'Visitor's' parking permit. My local council offers this at the same price  - 1 permitted per household and it's not attached to any particular vehicle.

[camille79]

As I mentioned in the question, visitors parking is going to cost �10 per day (8am to 10pm) which will be �30 every weekend!  So not an option really.

[dothawkes]

Your insurance Co. will have asked you where the vehicle is kept over night when you took out the policy, if u are going to use street parking and anything happens you may have probs so check that part of it out.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

If you register the vehicle in your bf's name the car will have gained another owner which depending on the car and age may affect resale.

Most insurance companies ask if the car is registered in the insured names and in some cases may refuse to insure the vehicle if the 2 names and details are different. 

Wouldnt the simplest solution be to talk with the company issuing the permits and ask for leniance on the interpretation of the conditions.  If your partner doesnt drive and relies on you at weekends then surely they can show some flexibility.

[camille79]

No lenience I'm afraid.  The council are strictly adhering to "Council tax bill and reg. docs must match!"  which does seem a bit jobsworthy to be honest considering the circumstances.  I'll speak to my insurers and sound them out but it looks like I'm just going to have to pay the charge.

Not worried about the resale value - it's an old banger and won't get through another MOT.