New survey suggests those driving around with a personal plate are more at risk of having their car stolen
The new ’68’ registration plate comes into effect tomorrow (1 September) and for most people the one that comes with the car showing two letters, followed by two numbers and then three more letters is fine, however some drivers prefer the personal touch and whether they’re showing off or simply letting everyone else on the road know that they’re doing okay for themselves, it seems that this group of ‘poseurs’ could be more at risk of having their cars stolen.
According to MoneySuperMarket’s survey in which 2,000 people were quizzed, data tells them that cars with personal number plates on them are TWICE as likely to be stolen. Maybe to a car thief, one with an expensive private plate is like scoring a double, however there are other factors to consider.
In London it seems are where people are most likely to own a personal number plate (46%) – in comparison to the rest of the country in which just 20% have a private plate.
Cars that have private number plates are 50% more likely to be stolen.
East London comes in seventh place on the top 10 list of most targeted areas for car thefts. Could this be a higher risk area because more cars just happen to have private plates or is it a coincidence?
The price comparison website found that personal number plates seem to be more popular amongst younger drivers, those aged between 25 and 34 as well as 18 to 24 year-olds, on 36% and 24% respectively.
Mercedes-Benz cars are the most common vehicles to be fitted with a personal registration plate, accounting for 12% of all private plates on UK roads.
What the survey did find out is that ‘vanity’ plates, as they are known, still carry with them a negative image, with 32% believing that owners of personal plates are ‘poseurs’, whilst 27% think they’re ‘attention seekers’ and 26% believe they have ‘more money than sense’.
So could having a personal registration plate mean that your insurance premium increases?
Possibly, if as this survey suggests your car is more at risk of being targeted by thieves, so it might be best to inform your insurance provider.
Consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, Kevin Pratt said: “You need to ensure that your insurer is aware of your new plate details, so it can be reflected in your policy. Your cover could be invalidated otherwise.”
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