What does Q-plated mean? Learn what kind of vehicles require Q registration plates, and how to get insurance.
What is a Q-plated car?
Q-plates are issued by the DVLA if there is some doubt over a particular vehicle's age or identity.
The plate does actually start with the letter 'Q' (e.g., Q123 XYZ), meaning police and other authorities can immediately determine that there are some unresolved or unverified elements to the vehicle's identity.
The 'Q' doesn't stand for anything in particular, although the fact it is the first letter of 'question' or 'query' may be a helpful way to remember its meaning.
The letter 'Q' is not used in the standard UK registration format, which is why it was chosen to signify this special category of vehicle.
What information is in doubt?
A Q-registered vehicle may have missing or unverified information about:
- Date of manufacture
- Original registration
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
What kind of vehicles have Q-plates?
Kit cars and self-built vehicles: Cars assembled from various parts, especially if components are sourced from different manufacturers or vehicles of an uncertain age will likely need to be classed as a Q registered vehicle.
Significantly/radically altered vehicles: Cars that have been significantly modified from their original spec, e.g. extensive changes to the chassis, engine, or general structure.
Reconstructed classic vehicles: Restored classic cars that use new or replica parts where the original components' history can't be (or haven't yet been) fully confirmed.
Self-imported vehicles: Cars imported to the UK where the original overseas documentation is incomplete or missing, making it difficult to establish the vehicle's age/identity.
Former military vehicles: Vehicles previously used by the Ministry of Defence whose history may be classified. Vehicles that were formerly used by other countries’ armed forces may also be issued a Q plate.
Vehicles without a VIN: If the original VIN is lost during a rebuild or modification and cannot be proved, being issued a Q-plate is almost certain.
How are Q registration plates issued?
In order for the DVLA to issue Q registration plates, the vehicle in question goes through something called a 'type approval process' which in most cases is the familiar Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection.
Passing the IVA means the vehicle meets particular safety, security and environmental standards which must be met in order for it to be driven on UK public roads.
Can a Q-plate ever be swapped for a regular/personalised plate?
No. Once a Q-plate is issued to a vehicle, it cannot be changed. This includes both standard and personalised number plates.
Can I get insurance for a Q-plate car?
Yes, it's possible to get insurance for a Q-plate car, but it may be trickier than with a regular car that has been built for the UK market.
The difficulty arises because a Q-plate is challenging for an insurer to judge associated risk. They cannot easily determine the vehicle's age, engine type etc.
How can I get affordable cover for my Q-registered vehicle?
You'll probably need to find a specialist broker/insurer that deals with heavily modified, kit, imported or otherwise unusual vehicles.
In order to get a quote, you'll need to provide as much information as possible, including:
- Exactly why the car has a Q-plate (kit car, import etc)
- Full spec of the car - make, model, year of donor components, if applicable
- Information about any modifications to engine, body, suspension etc
- Photos of the vehicle from different angles (don't give any reasons for suspicion/doubt)
- Individual Approval Certificate (IAC) from the IVA test.
- An agreed value for the vehicle (since standard market value is not easy to determine)
It's best to avoid online comparison sites and regular insurers, since they will most likely be unable to insure your vehicle.
What is a Q plate insurance premium like? Is it expensive?
You will almost certainly pay more to get a Q-plate vehicle covered. This is due to the unknown quantities associated with the vehicle and therefore the increased perceived risk. Insurers maintain a laser focus on risk, and if that risk cannot be easily determined, premiums tend to be on the higher side.
So do I automatically get a Q-plate if I import a vehicle?
No. if you have the proper documentation which proves a vehicle's identity and age, you can set about getting standard (or personalised) plates.
But if you don't have the required documents, you'll need to get Vehicle Approval (The IVA Test). This is of course after informing the HMRC of the import and paying any VAT and customs duty.
You would then be issued with a Q-plate by the DVLA.
Note: Issuing a Q-plate is an action of last resort by the DVLA when identity and age cannot be verified in the usual ways. Simply importing a car, even a non-EU one, and successfully completing the IVA test is in most cases sufficient to get a standard, age-related plate - or indeed a personalised plate.
You can learn more about Q-plates at gov.uk.
