If a car has been 'written off', and you want to put it back on the road, you need to start with a Vehicle Identity Check. The purpose of this is to establish whether it's still essentially the same vehicle or whether the repairs have made so many alterations that it's now a different vehicle.
The result of the VIC is important. If it's decided that it's still the same vehicle, it can retain the same registration number. However, if it's regarded as a different vehicle it will be given a 'Q' plate. ('Q' plates are generally associated with kit cars and can attract hefty insurance premiums).
If the car retains its original registration number, it will also retain its 'type approval' (which means that it's manufactured to standards which comply with the Construction & Use Regulations). However, if it's given a Q-plate, you'll have to apply for 'single vehicle approval' (which involves an additional fee on top of the VIC fee).
Once the car has been through the VIC and then re-registered (either under the existing registration number or with a Q-plate) it can then be MOt'd, taxed and insured for road use.
The DVLA can provide further information.
Phone 0870 240 0010 (0800-2030 Mon-Fri, 0800-1730 Sat)
or e-mail:
[email protected]
Chris