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    Can you insure a car without an MOT?

    It’s common knowledge that it’s illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT, but what about insuring a vehicle without one? In this guide, we will run through the relationship between MOTs and insurance, the consequences of driving without one, and the process of claiming on your insurance if you don’t have an MOT certificate. It’s always best to regularly check your car’s MOT status so you don’t get caught out!

    In short, yes it is possible to insure a car without an MOT but there are significant hoops you have to jump through in order to do so. What’s more, if you don’t have a valid MOT certificate and have an accident, your insurance policy will likely be invalidated and making any sort of claim against it gets complicated. 

    MOTs aren’t just pieces of paper or schemes to get you to spend money in garages. They ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and regularly maintained, help you avoid legal issues and ensure you’re properly covered. Most insurers require an MOT for comprehensive coverage, however there are a few that would give options for third party policies. 

    The relationship between MOTs, roadworthiness, and insurance

    MOTs, roadworthiness and insurance are all interlinked. Understanding how they work and affect one another is key to making sure your car is road-legal and that you’re covered by insurance should you have an accident. The MOT test includes a range of checks on various parts of your car to make sure they meet the minimum standards laid out by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Authority.

    MOT and roadworthiness

    🚗 MOT test

    In the UK, it is a legal requirement with the Ministy of Transport for all vehicles over three years old to have an MOT test to make sure they meet both road safety and environmental standards.  

    🚗 Roadworthiness

    Roadworthiness is the term used to define your vehicle’s condition and whether it is safe to be driven on public roads. It is validated by an MOT certificate. 

    MOT and insurance

    🚗 MOTs and insurance

    In order to offer comprehensive coverage, most insurance providers need a valid MOT certificate to show that a car is roadworthy. 

    🚗Third-party policies

    Some insurers will offer third-party insurance without an MOT. However this isn’t common and often comes with caveats. 

    🚗 Claims and legal implications

    Driving without an MOT can invalidate your insurance. If you have an accident, your insurer might refuse to pay out, and you could face legal penalties.

    If you don’t have a valid MOT, it’s unlikely that your car is roadworthy and your insurance policy could be invalidated.

    Getting to your MOT test: Insurance cover essentials

    We’ve all been there – our MOT test runs out before we know it, and we suddenly find ourselves without a road-legal car. So, what do you do? 

    1. Pre-book an MOT test 

    As long as you have a pre-booked appointment and are heading directly to the test centre, driving a car without a valid MOT on the roads is legal.

    2. Contact your insurance 

    Pre-booked trips to MOT centres and garages should be covered by your insurance, but it’s recommended you contact your provider and let them know to avoid complications. 

    3. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy 

    Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you do any of the above. If you have an accident en-route that could be put down to a pre-existing issue or fault with the car, it will complicate any potential insurance claim. 

    4. Keep proof of your MOT booking

    When travelling to your test centre or garage, make sure you have proof of your MOT booking on you as you may need to show it if stopped while on your way. This validates your journey and proves you’re doing nothing illegal! 

    Consequences of driving without a valid MOT

    Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in fines or vehicle seizing as well as invalidate your insurance.

    Driving without a valid MOT certificate in the UK is illegal and can result in both legal and financial implications. 

    Fines – Driving without a valid MOT could be an expensive risk. You can be fined up to £1,000 if caught! 

    Vehicle prohibition – Your car could be seized and often you have to pay a significant fee to get it back. Essentially you could end up without an MOT and without a car. 

    Insurance issues

    Invalidated insurance – Most insurance policies will become invalidated without an MOT meaning claims could end up being rejected. 

    Increased premiums – If your insurance company finds out you have been driving without a valid MOT, they may hike your premiums meaning the next time you try and claim it could be more costly than you anticipated.

    Safety Risks

    Unroadworthy vehicle – This one goes without saying. Of course if you haven’t got a valid MOT, it means your car hasn’t had the seal of approval from a liscenced garage. This means you’re at risk of driving a vehicle that isn’t safe and increases the chance of accidents.

    The process of claiming on your insurance without an MOT

    Claiming on your insurance when your car doesn’t have an MOT is tricky, but it’s not impossible. There are a number of steps you can take to make this process run as smoothly as possible: 

    1. Assess the situation 

    If you have been in an accident, before you do anything you should assess the damage and see if your car is still driveable. 

    2. Contact your insurer 

    You should notify your insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible and give them as many details about the accident as you can. You should have on hand your policy number and any other relevant documents. 

    3. Explain the MOT status of your car 

    If your car doesn’t have a valid MOT, you won’t be able to hide this from your insurance. You need to be upfront from the start and explain the reason for the lapse. 

    4. Follow your insurer’s instructions

    You may be required to share further documentation or details with your provider so that they can make a decision on your claim. Follow their instructions and submit any information they ask for. 

    5. Assessment, decision and outcome 

    Your insurer will let you know whether your claim has been accepted, rejected or subject to further investigation as soon as they can. They will assess the claim, consider the circumstances and consider the legal implications of driving without an MOT.

    FAQs

    Do insurance companies check for MOT?

    Insurance companies, like everyone else, have access to a range of sites that give information on a vehicle. As long as they have your number plate, they will be able to check the MOT status of your car when you apply for a quote or renewal. They do this to ensure your car is roadworthy and therefore a valid MOT is often needed for comprehensive cover.

    Can I tax my car with 2 weeks MOT left?

    Yes, you can. You need a valid MOT to tax your vehicle either online or at the Post Office.

    Can a vehicle with no MOT be parked on the road?

    No, if your vehicle doesn’t have a valid MOT it cannot be parked on the road. Instead it needs to be on private property eg. a driveaway or garage. 

    Ready to sell?

    Need to sell your car, or want to understand more about documentation or maintenance? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from the paperwork you need when buying and selling, to various notices you may need to file with the UK’s driver and vehicle licensing agency. 

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