These guidance notes are to assist vehicle proprietors in the event of a vehicle they own being involved in an accident and sustaining damage.
Why do I have to inform the Licensing Section if I have an accident?
The law says that it is the responsibility of the vehicle proprietor to inform the Licensing Section as soon as possible after their vehicle has been involved in an accident and sustained damage. If this can’t be done straight away, it must be done within 72 hours of the damage being sustained.
What happens after I report the damage?
You must complete the ‘Accident / Damage Report Form’ which can be found on our website giving details of the vehicle involved, date and time it happened, where it happened, who was driving and what damage the vehicle has sustained.
Will the vehicle need to be taken out of service?
That depends on the level of damage to the vehicle. Any damage which affects the structural integrity of the vehicle, or damages lights, brakes, opening / closing of doors or has caused large areas of structural damage will require the vehicle to be taken out of service immediately. Light scuffs to paintwork, small dents etc. will not necessarily mean the vehicle has to be taken out of service immediately, but the damage will have to be promptly repaired.
What do I do if my vehicle is taken out of service?
You will need to notify us in writing using the ‘Accident/Damage report form’. Once repair work has been completed, the vehicle may need to inspected by a Licensing Officer to ensure it is fit for service.
This is my only vehicle, how will I work without it?
You will need to discuss this with your insurance company. In many cases they can arrange for a replacement vehicle to be loaned to you whilst yours is being repaired. The loan vehicle will of course have to be licensed with the Licensing section, but insurance companies tend to use specialist vehicle suppliers who are familiar with our procedures. Many already have private hire vehicles pre plated with the Licensing Section.
I have a hackney Carriage. What happens in my case?
Due to the limit on Hackney Carriage numbers extra plates cannot be issued. That will not prevent you having a loan vehicle, as your vehicle licence plate is removed from your vehicle and retained, but the licence number is temporarily issued to the loan vehicle. When your vehicle is repaired, you simply return the plate issued to the loan vehicle and we return your licence plate to you.
What happens if my vehicle is a write off?
If your vehicle is written off then you will need to return the licence plate, paper licence and if a private hire vehicle, the door stickers. The vehicle will then be de-licensed by the Licensing Section. You will then have to obtain a new issue licence in the normal way. You may be able to claim any additional costs incurred by you through your insurance company, especially if you are not at fault.
Will my vehicle need to be inspected by the Licensing Officer?
In many cases this may not be necessary. If you are unsure if the extent of the damage requires the vehicle to be taken out of service, you should make the vehicle available for inspection by a Licensing Officer where further advice will be given to you. In some cases, your insurance company may want a vehicle prohibition (stop) notice to be issued before they will arrange a loan vehicle for you. This can be arranged by contacting a Licensing Officer who will inspect the vehicle with you.
I am still unsure of what to do, where can I get help?
If you are still unsure of what to do after your vehicle has received damage as a result of an accident, please email us at taxi.licensing@plymouth.gov.uk
If you need to make an appointment for a replacement vehicle, please contact the Licensing Section on 01752 304141.