This is another set of rules and regulations that could affect all of us as vehicle owners. Recent research conducted by the AA (you may have seen articles in the media over the last couple of weeks) tells us that 2 out of every 3 drivers are unaware of the new legislation. Hence this e-bulletin is timely as CIE becomes law in June 2011.

Under CIE it is illegal to keep an uninsured vehicle without a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). But the implications of CIE are more far reaching. If you, for example, forget to renew insurance or lay-up a vehicle without applying for a SORN, you are guilty by definition. The DVLA and the Motor Insurers' Bureau will be working closely together using their databases to identify uninsured vehicles and doubtless also evidence gathered by the numerous number plate recognition camera systems operating on every street corner. Even though you may have told your insurer about a change of vehicle, if they are dilatory in notifying the DVLA and Motor Insurer's Bureau about the change then it is still your fault.

So, check you have certificates of motor insurance for all vehicles under your control, that they have the correct registration numbers or you hold a current SORN if any vehicle is off the road and uninsured. If you have a sizeable fleet, then a regular health-check about documents with your insurance broker or insurer is advisable and, if you decide to change your insurance company at renewal, do it well in advance to avoid any issues about DVLA not having the right records.

These new rules were designed to catch deliberate uninsured drivers and its success in that regard is likely to be a moot point. However, what they will do is catch more people unawares! OK, so forgetfulness and poor administration apart, is it likely to happen to you? Well it could...

The authorities have the right to seize and even crush vehicles. Yes, it might seem that that is using a sledge hammer to crack a nut, but that's what the law says! Fines can be nothing more than a nuisance or they might be that last straw, but fines become insignificant if your vehicle (car, van or truck) is impounded for a few days or weeks whilst you sort out the mess with the authorities – that would be a serious drain on any business.

How can we help? Talk through with us your process of changing vehicles and we can arrange that health-check to ensure you don't fall into the trap.

P.S. And, don't forget...sons and daughters! Maybe, just maybe, they'll be more likely to forget to renew their insurance, or have other things on their mind at the time, or just the inevitable shortage of money. A timely warning could be worth the effort.