Insurers want copy of Log Book or else!

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 09 Apr 2010, 11:37

Anyone heard of this situation before?

Esure have written to me (signed for) saying the underwriters are asking for a copy of my log book to prove the correct owner of my Xantia.

This has set off alarm bells as it's not something I've ever been asked before - why are they doubting?

What's worse is they're threatening to put me on a Decline list if I don't!

Sid_the_Squid · Post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 09 Apr 2010, 11:59

Never heard of that before

tonupteabag · Post by **tonupteabag** » 09 Apr 2010, 12:09

i've not heard of that either have you bought it recently? if so did it have a logbook or have you applied for one? the only reason i can think of is its been registered twice and one of the "owners" hasn't declared they no longer own the vehicle its the only thing i can assume

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 09 Apr 2010, 12:21

Providing the address you are sending it to is a genuine esure address I don't think there is any problem sending them a copy.

I've never heard of an insurance company asking for a copy of a log book but there's always a first.

Could be many reasons it has flagged up, maybe someone else has tried to insure a clone of your car.

Odd though, it's usually the DVLA who flag this kind of thing up.

Is it registered to the same address as you have taken out insurance to? Same name? Are you on the electoral roll at that address?

Sid_the_Squid · Post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 09 Apr 2010, 12:33

the only reason i can think of is its been registered twice and one of the "owners" hasn't declared they no longer own the vehicle

Surprisingly that doesn't matter, if you buy a car with no log book, you can simply apply for a new log book, you are then the registered keeper, the 'current' registered keeper then becomes the previous keeper, exactly the same as if the documents had been sent off in the correct process.

I would assume DVLA would notify the old keeper of a change in ownership, I don't know though because I've never sold a car without a log book.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 09 Apr 2010, 13:04

I bought and registered it back in April/May 08 I think, but it's been SORN off-road since other than going through the MOT 08-09. Only recently did I insure it for 24 hours with Esure so I can take advantage of the free Citroen MOT, which it duly passed.

Yes, all the details match, nothing untoward I know about that could give rise to any doubt that will leave me insurance blacklisted.

The letter/request looks genuine as it came in an Esure envelope, has their logo and address, includes my particulars, the insurance policy number, vehicle details etc.

I've sent a copy via email as requested but there's no telephone number (except a £1 a minute line) given to discuss the matter. I've therefore asked for a full written explanation of the doubt as it's a serious concern to be blacklisted - ie unable to insure the xantia.

Coincidentally, they said the logbook will show the current owner whereas we all know it doesn't, it only shows the registered keeper so it's not even clear what the doubt is exactly.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 09 Apr 2010, 13:07

Thats a first for me !!

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 09 Apr 2010, 13:34

Phone their quotes and sales/customer service number on 0845 603 7874

Will be at local rate not £1/minute 090 number.

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 09 Apr 2010, 16:08

Alternatively there are other numbers available.

If you look at this information in the useful links section.

Then you can find this web site & many more numbers for Esure.

Type in Esure like I did and it comes up with many numbers for the company I.E. motoring, and other departments, but also freephone numbers for the motoring section.

tonupteabag · Post by **tonupteabag** » 09 Apr 2010, 16:20

Sid_the_Squid wrote:
the only reason i can think of is its been registered twice and one of the "owners" hasn't declared they no longer own the vehicle

Surprisingly that doesn't matter, if you buy a car with no log book, you can simply apply for a new log book, you are then the registered keeper, the 'current' registered keeper then becomes the previous keeper, exactly the same as if the documents had been sent off in the correct process.

I would assume DVLA would notify the old keeper of a change in ownership, I don't know though because I've never sold a car without a log book.

i bought my xantia and was handed two logbooks one new logbook and an old style one i was wondering if this could have been the case ie mike has the current book and somewhere was an old style book that somebody has sent back to dvla hence the insurers asking for verification
as this is the first time i've heard about this happening i'm just having a stab in the dark as to what may have happened and these are the only scenarios i can think of

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 09 Apr 2010, 16:59

I called them but got a voice-automated menu system for three minutes and once I'd made my choices, was told they're too busy and they hung up.

Since then, I've got an email reply....

"When you incepted this policy you have listed yourself as the owner of the vehicle and on your reason for use you have selected ‘To drive another vehicle because mine has broken down / off road’ due to this we wanted to clarify the ownership of the vehicle on cover"

Thanks for the alternative phone number links!

Trainman · Post by **Trainman** » 09 Apr 2010, 18:36

correct me if I'm wrong, but, the log book only gives the registared keeper, who is not necessarily the owner

scratcher · Post by **scratcher** » 09 Apr 2010, 20:04

with reference to these expensive phone numbers , go to a site on the internet "saynoto0870" you can then put in the expensive phone numbers and find an ordinary number for them. e.g. to tax your over the phone go to this site and you can find an ordinarynumber to tax the car, not giving the government the extra revenue. It works for many other numbers like Tescos and other major stores. Try it! gerry

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 10 Apr 2010, 13:16

Sid_the_Squid wrote:
the only reason i can think of is its been registered twice and one of the "owners" hasn't declared they no longer own the vehicle

Surprisingly that doesn't matter, if you buy a car with no log book, you can simply apply for a new log book, you are then the registered keeper, the 'current' registered keeper then becomes the previous keeper, exactly the same as if the documents had been sent off in the correct process.

I would assume DVLA would notify the old keeper of a change in ownership, I don't know though because I've never sold a car without a log book.

In that case the DVLA will write to the person the car is currently registered with and give them a reasonable time to respond before issuing a new V5.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 10 Apr 2010, 16:03

Abu Hamza's son exploited the dvla's proceedure and was able to steal cars.
Find a posh car owned by someone on long holiday by asking helpful neighbours.
Write to the dvla claiming you just bought the car, they write to owner asking to confirm and of course get no reply so send out a new log book.
use log book to get new keys and drive car away to be sold/stripped.