[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Vehicle insurance is something that every road user must be aware of as it is a legal requirement. Getting it wrong can be a costly mistake, as in the worst cases, this could lead to fines or even legal action.
In the UK, the average car insurance premium in 2023 was £627, proving that, as a nation, we are used to spending a lot on being able to get out and about on the roads. With this proving a substantial amount for motorists to pay every month, the last thing that many people want is for a car modification to affect their insurance. This is a question we commonly ask as more people choose to select 3D gel number plates.
There are many pieces of conflicting advice online which we will clear up in this informative article. We will explore what the legal requirements are for 3D number plates and if they do in fact affect insurance rates and coverage.
3D gel number plates are elegant and luxurious designed accessories which can replace standard options. They feature solid raised letters that are placed onto a reflective backing in the same format as a standard plate. These are normally made from polyurethane with an acrylic plate used as the backing.
The plate is then coated in an acrylic cover, which gives the finished design a gel-like appearance. This allows motorists to add style and personality to a vehicle whilst still being legal.
Also available are 4D number plates which feature the same design process but using acrylic letters instead of polyurethane ones. This results in a more pronounced finish and a deeper, thicker design. Both benefit from a soft rounded finish which adds to the contemporary look that modified plates offer.
Before proceeding to choose a new 3D number plate for a vehicle, it’s essential that a thorough understanding of the legal requirements is understood. This is because if your vehicle is proven to have any modifications that are not recognised under the government’s number plate rules, any insurance will automatically become invalid.
These markers are all considered by our workshop team to ensure that no products are manufactured that don’t pass legal regulations. It should also be noted that these requirements are the main differences between legal number plates and show plates hence why the latter cannot be used on roads.
To ensure that your 3D gel number plate is legally compliant and therefore covered by insurance it must meet these regulations:
In short, they must include all of the same information and markings that a standard number plate has.
No, generally speaking, an insurance company does not need to know if you have decided to fit either a 3D or 4D custom number plate. As long as the plate has been made in line with legal regulations, it poses no additional risk and, therefore, does not incur a higher premium. It also still acts as a legal part of a vehicle, which guarantees that it never makes the insurance null or void. However, as some insurance companies may have personal preferences or conflicting advice, we would recommend that you still get in touch with your supplier if you are unsure.
When purchasing a 3D number plate you will be given official documentation to prove that it is legally compliant. Should your insurance company want to investigate the legitimacy of a number plate, you can simply share this information with them. Each plate is marked with the supplier’s personal identifier, meaning that an insurance company can look at them on the government’s list of approved manufacturers to ensure everything is correct.
It is, however, necessary to inform your insurer when changing number plates if you have purchased a personalised registration. This must be legally registered and added to a V5 log book as soon as ownership is made before any travel takes place. Simply owning the plate is not enough to ensure you are being legally compliant.
When getting a 3D gel number plate manufactured, you will need to show your supplier proof of ownership and links to the current plate. If this is different in the case of a personalised option, you will find that the garage is unlikely to proceed as they are bound by legal factors as a registered supplier.
If anything, thanks to 3D gel number plates improved durability and visibility, most insurance companies should look at them more favourably as a tool that enhances the safety of the vehicle.
Even though we have confirmed that a properly supplied 3D gel number plate does not affect insurance, you must still take the proper precautions to ensure everything is above board. Below, we have gathered our top items to consider when making sure a shiny new 3D number plate will not negatively impact your insurance coverage.
Always be sure to gain relevant paperwork concerning the new plate as this should always be readily available from an official supplier. This can be used to prove the legality of a plate as well as proof of ownership.
Ensure your supplier is legally registered and has the skills plus knowledge needed to create compliant number plates. There are lots of sellers online, but not all of them are recognised as proper suppliers. A registered supplier will have a certification number plus be able to share all of the latest legal information relating to the use of 3D gel number plates.
You can learn more about our position as a supplier of 3D plates by checking out our terms and conditions.
As we have outlined, the design and construction of a 3D gel number plate must meet specific criteria. This means if any elements are not up to standard, the number plate would run the risk of becoming easily damaged which would violate insurance coverage. Manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that they use durable materials, reflective backings and solid letters to ensure a number plate is legal.
If you have been considering a 3D number plate but are worried about how it could impact your insurance, hopefully, this article has put your mind at rest.
Our personalised plates are the perfect solution if you are looking for a 3D model that is made to last thanks to our professional craftsmanship and focus on only using the best materials. This level of quality is also reflected in the support available from our knowledgeable customer service team, which knows everything there is to know about 3D number plates.
Furthermore, we also run a successful affiliate programme, which has allowed us to partner with a range of notable figures within the motoring industry. This demonstrates the positive reviews that our plates receive, giving customers complete peace of mind when making a purchase from us. All services are also supported by a privacy policy and refund policy to ensure that customers are always cared for.
Shop our collection of 3D gel number plates today.
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