Not declaring a car SORN

[Coaster]

My relation died and has left someone as an executer of his will. To be blunt the person is unfortunately remarkably thick and also won't let me touch the car (disconnect battery etc)
More importantly she's not declared it sorn even when I tried to explain it.
The tax on the car runs out end of January
The car is brand new 74 plate and not sure what would happen?
Is it usually a fine?
I'd declare it myself but can't get access to any documents .

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

There will be a fine to pay, plus the back tax.

 

[Coaster]

Thanks. I'm just trying to Google how much

 

[Coaster]

Not too bad then ...phew. thought they'd might send bailiff to take the car awsy

 

[Murdochcat]

Not too bad then ...phew. thought they'd might send bailiff to take the car awsy

Send the executor a text or message pointing out that if it’s not done they will receive a fine

Then walk away as it’s not your issue

If it’s a 74 plate the tax will run out at the end of Feb surely at the earliest

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Send the executor a text or message pointing out that if it’s not done they will receive a fine

It is part of the duty of an Executor, to pick up the pieces, and ensure the value of the estate is maintained, and maximised, for the benefactors.

 

[Diver Fred]

Send the executor a text or message pointing out that if it’s not done they will receive a fine

Then walk away as it’s not your issue

If it’s a 74 plate the tax will run out at the end of Feb surely at the earliest

A recorded delivery letter. Ensure you also have a copy.

 

[Murdochcat]

It is part of the duty of an Executor, to pick up the pieces, and ensure the value of the estate is maintained, and maximised, for the benefactors.

I’m well aware of that as I’ve been an executor but the OP isn’t the executor so it’s not their issue , unless they are a beneficiary of course

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Is the car kept on road or private land?

If on private, it still needs to be sorn or face the fine. But if it's on public road it could also be impounded/clamped, especially if insurance expires too.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

But if it's on public road it could also be impounded/clamped, especially if insurance expires too.

Insurance would be at an end anyway, on the death of the individual insured to drive it, I would imagine.

 

[pcaouolte]

If the vehicle is not declared SORN then it needs to be insured under the continuous insurance enforcement scheme:
https://www.mib.org.uk/reducing-uninsured-driving/continuous-insurance-enforcement/
The registered keeper of a vehicle that appears to be uninsured will be sent an Insurance Advisory Letter (IAL). This letter will advise them their vehicle appears to be uninsured and unless they take action they will receive a penalty from the DVLA.
No idea how that works if the registered keeper has died.

 

[Murdochcat]

When I was an executor, the vehicle was on monthly payments, so as soon as the bank account was locked it was effectively untaxed, however I registered it as SORN until I was ready to move it to my house to sell, then insured it, taxed it and drove it home to be valeted, and it sold a few days later.

Being an executor is all about being organised ….

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Being an executor is all about being organised ….

and the individual who had passed away, being organised too.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Insurance would be at an end anyway, on the death of the individual insured to drive it, I would imagine.

Unless the insurance company is notified, they won't know

 

[JohnD]

When you notify public bodies of a death, they have a process to pass the information around

For example, pension Office, driving licence, passport, NHS