UK Insurance car on Irish plates

Wanderer

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5,791
I'm back in Oirland with the QP5, on UK insurance for now, managed a year before without the Revenue Customs getting me, perhaps cos I'm on NI plates and NI reg cars come and go all the time. I'm only contracted here for six months but...

My mrs is here in her Pug for last year, Revenue collared her on Monday and seized her car, TBF they released it immediately once she paid the 200 Euro fine, with a proviso to put it on Irish plates within 30 days. They reckon you only have 90 days on foreign plates (I think they are wrong, but...)

I'm wondering where I stand in 90 days time, I'm willing to stump up the 1800 euro a year Motor Tax (RFL) cos I can't avoid that but the Irish insurance quotes are a bit steep, 1600 Euro vs 400 quid. So would any insurance co. insure me with a UK address, car on Irish plates and bearing in mind I come and go a lot on the ferry in the QP (the port is where they log you)?

As soon as I finish the six months I'kk make a decision whether to continue in IE or go back to UK, car back on UK plates....

VRT not an issue.

But it's fair to say they are clamping down, loads in the white car park at Dubs Airport seized....

Will ask my insurer bout hoping AIB (not the bank) will chip in....

Or maybe find a willing member here from Norn Iron to proxy my car?!!???
 

zagatoes30

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20,763
Touchwood BMW been here for 6 months and no issue, even has a toll tag fitted, that said it isn't driven regularly.

RR coming over end of month and we will apply for Irish plates for that, looked at insurance and AA cover can be had in Ireland for what seems reasonable rates - as you probably know there are no comparison sites here.
 

Wanderer

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5,791
Touchwood BMW been here for 6 months and no issue, even has a toll tag fitted, that said it isn't driven regularly.

RR coming over end of month and we will apply for Irish plates for that, looked at insurance and AA cover can be had in Ireland for what seems reasonable rates - as you probably know there are no comparison sites here.
Thing is the Revenue guy insisted it's 90 days, and if they have the ins and outs from Dublin port and if you are deemed Irish resident (ie after 90 days) you have to put Irish plates on the car, pay VRT if due and if you don't, and they catch you, they more or less fine you for the VRT that would have been due if you'd not owned the car in UK for 6 months before etc. Totally illegal, but....

Due to CTA UK and Ireland aren't considered foreign to each other so I am hoping insurance will be ok. Current insurer has no issue with car being in Ireland long term, but I'm not sure about the effect of actually having Irish reg number and not a UK one. Can only ask...
 

zagatoes30

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20,763
Interesting, I can find nothing that states there is any limit on a UK car in Ireland but if you are deemed Irish resident then you can't drive a car on UK plates. Currently I can duck the Irish resident as I am not here more that 185 days per year, that will change at the end of this month.

UK insurance, MOT etc. are all valid in Ireland and once again I can see nothing that states there is a limit. I plan to move the BMW back to the UK for a day or so before registering here. The RR will be registered within the 90 days.

My big question is the SZ. I don't want to change it from the UK NI plate it has had all its life, SZ 9136, it is part of its history. Shouldn't do enough miles to upset the revenue but lets see how it goes. 2021 its 30 years old and then ducks most of the rules anyway
 

Wanderer

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5,791
EU rules say you are a visitor after 90 days after that you are resident and the revenue seem to be pursuing that line. However CTA trumps that but it’s who’s brave enough to go to court. Ironically Brexit might help here!

NI plates make the difference I think, there’s loads around and the guards and Revenue seem to leave them alone because they are not easy targets...
 

Dan!

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3,029
For years I've had cars in the ROI on UK plates, registered to a UK address, with UK insurance. As far as I'm aware, with all that the only issue is the insurance is only valid for 90 days outside of the UK.

Nip across the boarder to NI, fill up with petrol so that you have proof of going back to the "UK" and you'll get another 90 days.

My Cooper S was stolen from my driveway in ROI a few years ago. Insurance paid out with no issue.

I get stopped on average once a month by the guards. I show them the V5 with a matching UK address on my license and they wave me on.

I'll be here in the ROI for another 5 years probably and have no intention of changing the plates etc. Likewise, also have a toll tag.

Understand the rules better than the guards and play the game is my approach.
 

Dan!

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3,029
Same drill with the revenue too. It's not imported. I'm not a resident (even though I pay tax here)

As I say, know the rules and stand your ground, don't let them bully you is my advice.