To think a new car should be registered the day I collect it?

[Backhills]

I'm due to collect my new car at the end of this week.

This morning I have received the registration documents in the post.

I'm really uncomfortable with being legally responsible for a car a full week before I take possession. I have no idea what it will be used for in the interim. I also haven't insured it.

The dealer assures me this is perfectly normal and "promises" me that I am absolutely not responsible for any e.g. speeding tickets it might get before I collect it. I say, the legal document I have in my possession says differently.

I've bought new cars before and I'm sure they've been registered on the day of collection? Have I remembered that wrong?

I know they will have wanted it registered for the end of the month, but is that OK if they can't deliver it? It is apparently currently in their compound, so the dealer does have it, just not in the place I'm due to collect it from.

Don't see an issue here - as it points out on the V5c registered owner is not necessarily legal owner.
You'd have a pretty easy time showing any speeding tickets were not yours - is it really likely they are zooming around in your car?

You've got information to demonstrate you're not picking it up until a specific date, so were something to happen it wouldn't be in your possession, they're still responsible for it and what happens to it.

I say, the legal document I have in my possession says differently.
You say wrong - if someone's caught speeding, your obligation as registered keeper is to identify who was driving. There are documented cases where this wasn't possible (as it wouldn't be in your case) and that's accepted.

Oh, do I have to apologise and refuse the tank of petrol he offered to get me off the phone make up for it then?

I'd take the fuel if offered - why not? He's obviously trying to keep you happy.
I reckon it's a moot point on the reg date anyway - DVLA are very unlikely to accept a change of info. - a dealer registered my Ma's new car in my stepdad's name in spite of instructions to the contrary to the dealer - DVLA were not interested in changing - except by the change of keeper route so car has an extra keeper - thanks dealer!

@Backhills

Oh, do I have to apologise and refuse the tank of petrol he offered to get me off the phone make up for it then?

Vauxhall always seem to bribe people with a tank of fuel.

If it's a new car, they'll want to register it before the end of the quarter for their sales figures.

It will currently be on their insurance and if it's taxed, they've paid for it. You'll want your tax to start on Thursday at the earliest, otherwise you'll lose a month. It's probably just sat in their showroom/workshop and should be perfectly safe.

They’ve done it to hit target. It’s worth a lot of money to them.
If you can be bothered you could kick up a fuss to get a free service etc.
They’ve risked it that your not going to cancel as it’s a real nightmare to unregister a car (it’s pretty much unheard of)

@DynamoKev

I'd take the fuel if offered - why not? He's obviously trying to keep you happy. I reckon it's a moot point on the reg date anyway - DVLA are very unlikely to accept a change of info. - a dealer registered my Ma's new car in my stepdad's name in spite of instructions to the contrary to the dealer - DVLA were not interested in changing - except by the change of keeper route so car has an extra keeper - thanks dealer!

Similar happened to me. Bought a brand new car and I had arranged the finance as I work in a bank. Wrote and signed the cheque. It was my car yet it got registered in my DH's name