Another question

[val757]

Hi all

Sorry, as a newbie to this I have another question. A friend has suggested that I should inform my car insurers and possibly the DVLA that I have PAF. Is that right? My GP didn't mention it.

[val757]

Sorry, just found the answer in the FAQ!

[Hidden in reply to val757]

I have just looked and think the FAQ's are out of date. As far as I know, you do not have to tell the DVLA unless your doctor says you do.

But I may be wrong and someone with more up to date knowledge may chip in here..........

Koll

[Hidden]

PS. Here's a recent thread on the subject

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

_

[BobD Volunteer]

Up until about a year ago it was law that a driver had to advise DVLA although doctors did not have to. In fact you faced a £1000 fine if you did not. That has now changed and there is no requirement unless your driving is impaired or you have blackouts etc. If DVLA do not need to know then neither legally does your insurance company as most proposal forms ask if you have any health issue which needs to be advised to DVLA.

[PeterWh]

That was one of the posts (and a good one) and there have been a few more.

Unfortunately on the face of it things seem clear but then practice and potential issues raise their head. I was reminded of this only a few days ago because of having bought a car (6 years old) from a main dealer. I had to initiate five day free car insurance provided by manufacturer. I was paying attention carefully.

The question asked was "DO YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS?" (Note the wording was any medical conditions making NO distinction as to whether or not they are notifiable. I said about AF and said it is a grey area and latest info appears to say not need to notify DVLA but I had completed the form and sent to the DVLA and had a letter back saying OK. The response from the insurance company representative was it is always better to write to the DVLA whatever the medical condition because then in the event of an accident, particularily if medical issues may have contributed, we accept that you were OK to drive assuming things hadn't deteriorated and it is far cheaper for you write to DVLA than for you to pay for a Consultant afterwards to say that you were OK to drive. Also if the guidelines change than it is up to the DVLA to contact you if you have notified them.

Also don't forget that if you are unfortunately in an accident and that the other driver is 100% to blame their insurance company will look at any means possible to get out of paying, particularily if there are personal injury claims.