Mon, 06 Mar 2006

New car owners are being encouraged to make sure they are up-to-date with developments within the motor and insurance industry.

Recent research from the Post Office Car Insurance shows that just 24 per cent of people understand the new format of car registration plates - despite it being in use for the past four and a half years.

The car registration plates help to identify when and where each vehicle was registered. However, many people wrongly assume the combination of letters and numbers show where the driver lives and, in some cases, people thought they represented the driver's initials.

This lack of understanding could mean that many people are failing to correctly apply for Motor Insurance or fill out claim forms adequately. Insurers will be hoping that the launch of the latest car registration this month will help raise awareness.

Phil Ashkuri, head of Post Office Car Insurance, said: "It’s been four and a half years since the current number plate format was introduced and still only a quarter of people actually understand what the letters and numbers on registration plates mean."

He added: "With so many of us confused, those driving round in new cars this week might not turn as many heads as they'd like!"

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