Great car photos - but why hide the number plates??

[AdmiralGant]

I have noticed a lot of folk post up their car pics on here and other forums, but then cover over part or all of the number plates.

Can anyone give me a sound reason why they do this, as I am either being very dim or does it make the car look better ? 

[AntGTD]

Less chance of number plates being cloned.

[ffrank]

I don't know what someone can or can't do with a number plate these days (or in the future), so I cover up for peace of mind.

I tend to put as little personal info as possible on the internet in general anyway.

[AdmiralGant]

I agree - keeping personal information down to a minimum on any website including member name, but I have never hidden my plates on any social media. 

As I see, someone could spot me in a supermarket car park, see me driving the car, write down the plates, follow me home, have my home address - so unless you cover your plates whilst out driving, much higher danger out there than on here 

[p3asa]

As I see, someone could spot me in a supermarket car park, see me driving the car, write down the plates, follow me home, have my home address - so unless you cover your plates whilst out driving, much higher danger out there than on here 

You're absolutely right in the above but if a crook had just stolen a 5Dr Golf Mk7 GTD Carbon Grey why would he want to go out searching all day for a similar specced one to get hold of the number plate when he can do it in seconds from the comfort of his own home from those that don't cover them up online?!   

[C2K]

Depends what you're doing. If your insurance company browses the forum, as many do (in search of owners clubs discounts) then they know your car/username. It ties you to boasts of exploits or speed claims in some cases, but tbh I've seen it invalidate warranties before when people post pictures of themselves on trackdays.

This is why many people in newish cars cover up their registrations at track days whilst the rest of us care not. Interestingly, my last trackday had 3 Mk 7 R's on, only one of which covered up.

[AdmiralGant]

Good point about track days, I investigate insurance claims btw and most policies exclude cover for such use, so unless someone submits a fraudulent claim for damage that happened on the track, then I don't think the insurers are that bothered on use that won't catch up with them.

[C2K]

Indeed, but it's the whole thread of warranty/lease/insurance etc. Easier to cover up and be sure they've not been seen.

[fredgroves]

Those roads just outside of circuits are really dangerous... so many cars seem to have accidents there.

I guess the various councils must know this and provide nice gravel traps to help, judging by the amount of gravel in the engine bays ;-)