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Hi,
I'm heading overseas for 9 months and thinking of loaning my car to a friend who will keep it running for me (rather than have it sitting doing nothing). I'm not sure what it will mean for things like registration and insurance - what if my friend gets a speed-camera fine (we all go a little too fast in the 50km zones sometimes!!!) as it would get sent to my address but I won't be there - can I put my friend's address on the registration somehow? Also when the registration expires while I'm away and my friend renews it for me, can they do that for me in my absence? And what about insurance, can my friend buy her own insurance for my car? Or will my insurance (AA comprehensive) cover my friend if I'm not there? Is there anything else I need to be aware of in a situation like this?
Thanks for your help.

As far as the registration goes, you can change your address to your friend's address. This way, she will receive any mail (albeit, in your name) relating to motor registration, traffic infringements etc. There's no reason why your friend can't renew the registration. However, in the event of traffic fines, your friend should complete the details on the infringement notice, changing it to show that she was the driver, otherwise they will be logged against you.
Regarding insurance, you should contact AA Insurance (phone 0800 500 221) advising them of the circumstances. Alternatively, your friend could take out separate insurance in her name.
So in summary, it's all relatively easy to sort out - assuming you can trust your friend 100%.