Latest news with #SORN
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ask the expert: Why is the DVLA fining me for not taxing a racing car?
Dear Alex, A letter from the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) informed me that according to the Motor Insurance Database (MID), my 1963 MGB was not insured. It stated that, unless my vehicle was declared off-road with a valid Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN), it must be continuously insured, and that I had 28 days to check that I was covered and avoid a fine. The MG is a racing car and, therefore, not on the road, so I thought this might be a scam, but I then received a letter from the DVLA saying I must pay a £100 penalty, reduced to £50 for early payment. Clearly the simple solution is to send the hard copy of the SORN, but I am still very suspicious of these documents and threatening communications. Are you familiar with this approach to non-insurance? Am I being neurotic? – HC Dear HC, I am familiar with this approach, because I had a similar letter myself recently. My 1970 Citroën DS was insured and 'taxed' (for a zero rate, as a historic vehicle), but then I switched the insurance to a different vehicle. Because I wasn't paying any 'tax', I didn't think to declare SORN until I received a letter like the one you describe. In my case, the situation was a result of my oversight; yours appears to be a genuine mistake. But I suspect the communications you've received are legitimate; the MIB is a recognised body, and if you've had a corresponding fine from the DVLA, it's safe to say you should probably take action before matters escalate. Firstly, check that your vehicle is still declared SORN. It should be, given you don't have to renew the SORN declaration, but it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that a mistake has been made at the DVLA, or there has been a computer glitch. Check online at If the car is still showing as SORN, then send evidence of this to the DVLA and MIB by recorded delivery, to prove that the vehicle is off the road. With a bit of luck, they'll cancel the fine and you can forget the whole thing.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
USDA pauses request for personal data of SNAP recipients while lawsuit proceeds
National advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit to stop the U.S. Department of Agriculture from accessing private data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. TOPEKA — The Trump administration has paused its demand for the personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients after a lawsuit was filed May 22 by national advocacy organizations. Kansas Department for Children and Families officials received a letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in early May demanding personal information about SNAP recipients in the state. DCF refused to send the data, stating, 'At this time, we are unsure as to the reason for the USDA's request.' A motion for a temporary restraining order was filed May 27 by counsel for the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, the National Student Legal Defense Network, Protect Democracy Project, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. The same group also filed the lawsuit challenging USDA's access to the protected information, a news release said. In a sworn declaration, USDA official Shiela Corley said the agency has not collected SNAP recipient data after telling the third-party vendors that maintain the data to hold off on submitting it, the news release said. 'USDA has instructed EBT Processors to refrain from sending any data until USDA completed procedural steps to ensure that data received would be appropriately safeguarded and to satisfy all necessary legal requirements,' her testimony said. 'In accordance with USDA's instruction, EBT Processors have not sent any data to USDA in response to the May 6 letter. Before any of the data described in the May 6 Letter is provided to USDA, USDA intends to publish a new SORN (System of Records Notice) in compliance with the Privacy Act.' Although Corley's declaration caused the advocacy organizations to drop the motion for the restraining order, the lawsuit will continue, the press release said. 'This is a victory for tens of millions of SNAP recipients and anyone who cares about protecting our personal data against government abuse,' John Davisson, an EPIC official, said in the release. 'Although this fight is just beginning, we're grateful that the USDA acknowledged its legal obligation to safeguard privacy and remain accountable to the public.' Abby J. Leibman, president and CEO of MAZON, said in the news release that the USDA must consider how its actions affect those facing hunger in the United States. 'The laws and processes protecting privacy exist for vital reasons. Americans are clear that everyone has a high expectation of privacy regarding their personal information — and SNAP applicants do not cede that expectation in exchange for receiving vital support to meet their basic needs,' she said.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
DVLA says these motorists can claim tax refunds
DVLA issued an alert to some drivers on Tuesday The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a fresh alert to motorists, reminding them they could be entitled to a refund. The DVLA is responsible for issuing licences and enforcing vehicle tax rules, among other things. Most vehicle owners are required to pay tax, and the amounts needed rose earlier this month. However, if you're taking your vehicle off the road for a period of time, you'll need to notify the DVLA, with the process known as a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). In a new alert on Tuesday, the DVLA said: "Need to take your vehicle off the road? Tell us online at You'll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax! #DVLADigital". Further information found on the link provided adds: "You cannot use the vehicle on the road until you tax it again" and that your "SORN will start on the first day of the next month if you apply in the month your vehicle tax is due to expire." If your vehicle is SORN, it must be kept off the road and on private land, and cannot be driven during the SORN. You might consider SORNing a car if it has failed its MOT and you plan to fix it, if you're scrapping it but want to remove some parts first, or you're only using it on private land.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
6 sex offenders arrested for violating parole in Montgomery County
Six sex offenders were arrested for violating parole in Montgomery County, according to a Montgomery County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Adult Parole Authority and the sheriff's office recently completed compliance checks on parole offenders who are registered sex offenders in the county. TRENDING STORIES: 'She's a fighter;' Girl seriously injured after being crushed by tree during Easter celebration Son of Ohio megachurch leaders indicted on 27 counts related to sexual abuse involving a minor Pope Francis dies: Vatican releases cause of death Six sheriff's office employees and 15 parole officers worked together during the operation, according to the spokesperson. Authorities visited 64 registered sex offenders' houses throughout the county to check for any violations. Out of the 41 sex offenders contacted, six of them were arrested on parole violations without incident, the spokesperson said. 'Operations like these are about preventing harm before it happens,' Sheriff Rob Streck said. 'By verifying compliance, we're protecting families and holding offenders accountable. We value our strong partnership with APA and will continue working together to keep our community safe.' The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Registry Notification (SORN) unit has a free tool for residents to search for offenders in their area. To access that tool, click here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
How does car insurance work?
Car insurance is a legal requirement for all UK motorists. It acts as a financial safety net that protects you, your vehicle and others on the road in the event of an accident, theft or other unexpected incidents – but it can be tricky to gauge the best policy for you. Here, Telegraph Money explains how car insurance works, the different types available and what factors can affect the cost of your premium. How does car insurance work? Types of car insurance Multi-car insurance How car insurance cost is calculated Car insurance FAQs How does car insurance work? When you buy car insurance, you agree to pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance provider. In return, your insurer helps cover certain costs if you're involved in an accident or if your car is stolen or vandalised. Depending on the type of coverage you choose, car insurance can pay out for repairs, medical expenses, and even legal fees, helping you to avoid large out-of-pocket costs. When calculating the price of your car insurance policy, insurers assess how likely you are to claim. They consider multiple risk factors, such as your age and driving experience, the area you live in, and the type of vehicle you drive – including the insurance group it falls into. The only time you don't need to purchase car insurance is if you plan to keep your vehicle off the road, such as in a garage or on a private driveway. However, in this instance, you must officially declare it off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). Types of car insurance There are three main types of car insurance to choose from: Third-party only: This is the minimum legally required level of car insurance for UK motorists. It covers you for the costs of damage to another person's vehicle or property, plus injury to others if you're involved in an accident. But it doesn't cover you or your own car. Third-party, fire and theft: This covers all of the above, but also covers repairs or replacement costs if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. Fully comprehensive: This type of cover offers the highest level of protection. It covers all of the above as well as damage to your own vehicle. Some policies also include cover for your windscreen, personal possessions and medical costs. It's worth noting that even though this option offers the most cover, comprehensive insurance isn't necessarily the most expensive. Car insurance excess Every car insurance policy comes with an excess. This is the amount you must pay towards the cost of a car insurance claim, should you need to make one. For example, if your excess is £400 and you make a claim for £1,400, you pay the first £400 and the insurer covers the remaining £1,000. Tom Banks, car insurance expert at price comparison site GoCompare, said: 'There are two types of excess – compulsory and voluntary. Compulsory excess is set by the insurer and can't be changed, while voluntary excess is an amount that is chosen by the policyholder. 'Setting a higher voluntary excess can sometimes reduce the cost of your premium, but it's important to make sure you could afford to pay it if you ever need to make a claim.' No-claims bonus For each year you don't claim on your car insurance, you build up a no-claims bonus or no-claims discount. Andrew Lee, of insurance firm Swinton Insurance, said: 'The more years of no-claims bonus you have, the lower the deemed risk in the eyes an insurer, which can consequently help reduce premiums.' No-claims bonuses vary between insurers. You might get a discount of 30pc for your first claim-free year, and as much as 60pc off if you don't claim for five years or more. Mr Lee said: 'Commonly, no-claim bonuses are limited at nine years. Your no-claims bonus is yours and can be carried over if you change insurance provider, but you will have to provide proof to your new insurer.' If you need to claim on your car insurance at any point, even if the reason for doing so wasn't your fault, you will likely lose your no-claims bonus and will need to rebuild it from scratch. This means your policy will likely be more expensive when you next renew it. The exception is if you have paid for no-claims bonus protection. This is an optional add-on and means you can claim one or two times a year without impacting your no-claims bonus. However, having no-claims bonus protection won't stop your premiums from rising if you make a claim. Policy length Most car insurance policies last for 12 months, after which you'll need to renew your policy to ensure your vehicle remains legally insured. You can pay for your car insurance in one go each year, or spread the cost and pay for your cover each month. However, insurers usually charge interest if you pay monthly, making the total cost more expensive. If you only need car insurance for a short period, there are other options available, including temporary car insurance. Temporary car insurance Temporary car insurance allows you to insure a car for just a few hours or days. It can usually be purchased quickly and provides coverage without affecting the original vehicle owner's no-claims bonus. Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: 'Temporary car insurance is short-term, fully comprehensive cover that gives you the freedom to drive when you need it – whether it's sharing the long drive on a planned road trip or borrowing a car in an unexpected emergency, for example.' Coverage periods vary depending on the provider, but you can typically find cover ranging from one hour to 30 days. Multi-car insurance If your household or family owns more than one vehicle, you could consider taking out multi-car insurance to cover them all under one policy. Insurers will typically give you a discount for each car you add, so it could work out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each vehicle – although you should run some comparisons first to check this is the case. Multi-car insurance can work in two different ways: Linked policies: Here, each car is insured separately with the same insurer, and each has different cover, benefits and add-ons. Start and end dates can differ too. Single policies: The same level of cover is usually provided for each driver and each vehicle. Policies usually have the same renewal date. How car insurance cost is calculated When determining the cost of your car insurance policy, insurance providers consider a wide range of risk factors. These include: Your age: Drivers under the age of 25 tend to pay more for car insurance due to their inexperience. As they get older and gain more experience, premiums start to fall, before rising again once they are over the age of 70. Your driving record: Insurers consider how long you've been driving and whether you have a history of accidents, claims or points on your licence. Someone with driving convictions or past insurance claims will pay more for their policy than someone with no previous claims and a clean driving licence. Your vehicle type: Every make and model of car in the UK falls into one of 50 car insurance groups, with those placed in a lower group considered to be less risky, resulting in lower premiums. Vehicles in higher groups tend to have more powerful engines and higher repair costs and typically cost more to insure. Your location: Where you live can also impact the cost of car insurance. Providers look at factors such as the driving behaviour in your area, the crime rate and the average number of claims. Your occupation: Insurers view some occupations as riskier than others, such as those that involve night-time driving or carrying expensive equipment in the vehicle. This can increase premiums. Car insurance FAQs How much does it cost to add a driver to car insurance? Research from price comparison site Confused shows that adding one extra driver to your car insurance policy costs an average of £1,075. However, exact costs will depend on factors such as the driver's age, experience and driving record. What can you claim on car insurance? Exactly what you can claim depends on your car insurance policy type. With a comprehensive car insurance policy, you can typically claim for damage or losses related to an accident, theft, fire or vandalism. Some policies also cover claims arising from injuries to other people. What is the 21-day rule for car insurance?
