There is a lot written on the internet as to whether you are insured or not, so what is the true position? This article will examine whether an expired MOT will affect your car insurance.
Under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, using or allowing a vehicle to be used on a public road without a valid insurance policy in force is an offence.
However, while the law focuses on the presence of an active insurance policy, it does not automatically link the validity of your insurance to the status of your MOT.
Can You Still Be Insured If Your MOT Expires?
If you have a current certificate of cover and your MOT expires, that is fine. Your insurance policy remains valid.
However, there are two critical caveats to this:
- Vehicle Roadworthiness – The government requires that any vehicle driven on the road must be safe and roadworthy. An expired MOT may cast doubt on the vehicle’s condition. If your car is found to be in a dangerous state, you could face separate legal consequences.
- Policy Terms and Conditions – Some insurance policies include specific provisions requiring the insured vehicle to have a valid MOT. Failing to meet this condition could invalidate your policy. So, contact your insurance company to let them know just to make sure you confirm the position.
Learn more about insurance disputes here.
What Should You Do If Your Insurance Becomes Invalid?
If your insurance company states that you are not insured, then you may have to go elsewhere. Optional, but maybe a bit political as the government is trying to encourage the banks to lend promised monies but the banks are not ‘coming to the table’.
The same may apply to insurance companies if they stand firm and state to the government that they will not be encouraged by them. To do this would mean a change in the law and the government has enough on its plate at the moment.