FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The short version: we remind you about NCT and motor tax, we let people privately flag a safety issue with your vehicle, and we never reveal who owns or watches a plate.
How do I claim my vehicle, and do you verify it?
You add your Irish reg and a private nickname, then confirm the vehicle in a quick check. Confirmation stops a stranger from claiming your plate. We match on a secure key, never a public directory — no one can browse who has claimed what.
Can I look up who owns a plate?
No — never. There is no public plate directory and no owner lookup anywhere in CarAlert, and there never will be. We do not have access to any official owner register and we do not expose one.
If I report a vehicle, will I find out if it is registered or watched?
No. Every report returns the same generic confirmation, whether the plate has zero, one, or many watchers. You cannot use the service to discover whether a plate is registered, watched, or by whom.
Will the owner know it was me who reported?
No. The reporter’s identity is never revealed to the recipient of an alert. Alerts are structured, private safety messages — there is no reply thread and no way to contact the reporter.
Is this for reporting bad driving?
No. CarAlert is for genuine safety and courtesy issues with a vehicle — lights on, a door open, a flat tyre. It is not for shaming drivers, settling disputes, or contacting a specific person. See our safety rules.
What reminders do I get for the NCT?
By default, reminders at 90, 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before your due date and on the day, plus limited overdue nudges. You can test up to 90 days early on NCTS without changing your cert’s expiry — which is why our first nudge lands 90 days out.
What reminders do I get for motor tax?
By default, reminders at 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before expiry and on the day, plus limited overdue nudges — spanning your renewal month. Your official renewal notice and PIN still come from Motor Tax Online in the month of expiry.
Do you ask for my Motor Tax PIN, VRC or VIN?
Never. We do not ask for or store your PIN, VRC number, VIN, or any payment or tax credentials. You only ever enter those on the official Motor Tax Online service. All we keep is the expiry date you save.
How do you send reminders?
By email as standard. SMS reminders are a planned Personal Plus extra. Every reminder includes a one-click link to the official service.
Can my family get the alerts too?
Yes. Reasonable family sharing is included in the free tier, so a partner or parent can receive the same alerts and reminders for a shared vehicle.
What happens if I sell or transfer the vehicle?
You can release the vehicle from your account so it is no longer linked to you. The new keeper can then claim and confirm it themselves. Alerts and reminders follow the current confirmed watcher, not the previous one.
How do I delete my data?
You can delete your account and associated data from within the app. See our privacy notice for what is kept, for how long, and your rights under GDPR.
How much does it cost?
The core — claiming a vehicle, community alerts, NCT and motor-tax reminders, and reasonable family sharing — is free and always will be. Optional Personal Plus and Fleet tiers are coming later. See pricing.
Are you affiliated with the NCTS, RSA or Motor Tax Online?
No. CarAlert is an independent service, not affiliated with the NCTS, the RSA, the Department of Transport, Motor Tax Online, or An Garda Síochána. Official services remain the authoritative source for your vehicle’s status.
In an emergency, call 112 or 999
CarAlert is not an emergency service. If there is an immediate danger to life or safety, contact the emergency services first.