July registration saves money
Don’t throw money away on car registration
Organised car owners who register their car now for a full year will end up costing themselves money.
As of July 1 next year, ACC motor vehicle levies on registrations will drop by an average of 45 per cent. At present a full year’s registration for petroldriven cars costs $280.
But as Titahi Bay resident Sebastian Vangellekom realised after receiving an email from a neighbour, anybody registering now for a year will lose money by paying the old fee.
‘‘It’s something you don’t think about.
‘‘I had to read it twice to understand properly,’’ he said.
It came at the perfect time because his ute was up for registration, and his car will be in December.
‘‘It’s something you have to do, but it all makes a difference. Especially when you have two vehicles.’’
He said he was ‘‘ chuffed’’ to be saving some money and was telling everyone he knew about the changes.
ACC spokesman Glenn Donovan said that though it would not be refunding any money, people could take advan- tage of the reduction by registering only until July.
‘‘To take advantage of the reduction as soon as possible, vehicle owners can choose reduced licence periods offered by NZTA, to minimise the number of months a vehicle is licensed at the ‘old’ rate,’’ Donovan said.
‘‘ ACC will proactively remind vehicle owners of this option early in the new year, to ensure as many people as possible are able to benefit from the new lower rates.’’
The licence fee changes were confirmed in August as part of $480 million vehicle levy reduction that includes a drop of 3 cents a litre off the petrol levy.
Donovan said it was a big reason to celebrate, because it meant more money in people’s pockets.
He said though everyone would benefit from the reductions, as from July levies would differ based on safety ratings, meaning those who drive safer cars will pay less.
‘‘It’s also fairer for those who gather the higher injury costs to pay their fair share.’’
The reductions come as a result of the ACC motor vehicle account being nearly fully funded.
The new rates will be published early next year.