RSS Feeds: Vehicle Registration and Liability Insurance Renewal – I Almost Forgot About It
Yesterday was the last day I could renew my vehicle registration without being penalized. I renewed it at the last minute, so to speak, along with my liability insurance. I almost forgot about it, and I would have, had my wife not called and reminded me to get it taken care of.
Confused About Renewal Dates
It's easy to forget about renewal dates for anything. Why should my vehicle registration be any different? In this case, it was easy to be confused because the actual expiration date for the registration wasn't on the form and it isn't on the car. I bought my Toyota Corolla Altis at the end of June in 2006, along with the comprehensive and liability insurance. I received the plates and stickers just after the July 4th weekend.
It doesn't work the same way in the Philippines as it does in the US. I received three stickers (for a three-year registration), for the years of 2006 through 2008, but the stickers signify the beginning years, not the ending years. The date the stickers expire is the last day of the month corresponding with the last number on the license plate and in my case, that's a 4. As an aside, I also can't drive in Manila on whatever day corresponds with 4 by their system — I think it's Tuesday (1 and 2 for Monday, 3 and 4 for Tuesday, etc.), but I could be wrong. It doesn't matter because I rarely go to Manila.
I let the comprehensive insurance lapse in 2007 because I don't drive enough to justify paying for it, but the liability insurance is both required by law and a good idea. My initial coverage was for three years, just like the vehicle registration.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and LTO Assistance
It just so happens that one of the employees of the LTO lives down the hill from me. She rode with me on the way to the office. It's a good thing, too, because I was headed to the office downtown and the place I needed to go was the other office in the Kalaklan barangay. It was much closer and easier to get to as well.
I had to get a smog test. I have a little over 6,000 kilometers on the odometer and I tried to avoid it, but it's required for all vehicles. It really wasn't a big deal and only cost P400 (a little over USD $8.00). The total cost of the vehicle registration and liability insurance for one year, along with the smog test, came out to about P5520 (about USD $115.00). Compare that with similar costs in the US and you can see that it's a bargain.
The insurance didn't actually expire until July 4, but what the heck. I saved myself from making another trip (and possibly forgetting again) in June. My wife is supposed to return to the Philippines in June, so I'll have other things on my mind.
Similar Posts:
Consumers often inquire about the significant price gaps between liability and full coverage auto insurance. I recommend that if the car is 8 years or older, you only obtain liability insurance. The difference in premiums doesn't make sense to buy full coverage considering the cost to replace the vehicle and not to include the $500 deductible you'll have to pay anyways.
My missus had a similar experience, she has to have her car serviced every 5000 kms to keep the warranty and maintain her premium insurance … she checked out her odometer and had 50kms left until she had to check it in … pretty damn close and lucky.
Amazing information, next time I hear someone complaining about vehicle registration here in the U.S. i'll be sure to tell them about your experience.
My last blog: Why You Should Get A Car Insurance Quote
Nice post! I'll keep your experience in my mind if ext time have to renew my car insurance. Thanks for sharing!