What Happens if I Have a Car Accident Without an MOT?

We get it – car insurance and MOT testing can be expensive. If you’re a young driver, your insurance will already be costing you an arm and a leg. Plus, if your car fails its MOT, the repair bills could add up to hundreds of pounds.

None of us like big bills but, as you’ll soon read in this article, the cost of not getting your car MOT tested could be a lot greater still.

The purpose of the MOT test

First, a reminder of what the MOT test is for. Mandatory for all cars in the UK over three years old, the test should be carried out annually. Its purpose is essentially to make sure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, with a variety of different tests being carried out to minimise the risk of an accident being caused by a mechanical fault.

Not sure when your MOT is due? It’s very easy to check using the DVLA’s online vehicle checker. Simply input your registration number, hit confirm and you’ll be shown when your MOT is due, along with your tax renewal date and a number of other statistics about your vehicle.

The MOT and insurance

So, what about insurance – what will happen if you have a crash without an MOT on your vehicle? The vast majority of insurers stipulate that your vehicle must have a valid MOT in order to be covered in the event of an accident so, if you have a bump without one, your insurance won’t pay out.

To add insult to injury, you’ll be prosecuted on two charges: driving a vehicle without an MOT and driving without insurance.

Make sure your car is tested

Unless you want to be thousands of pounds out of pocket, then, it’s not advisable to drive your car without an MOT under any circumstances. You can legally drive it to a test centre once your MOT has expired, but only if you have a pre-booked MOT appointment. Otherwise, it’s best to leave it parked up – don’t risk it!

If you do get into an accident and need a recovery service you can count on, speak to the accident recovery specialists at Cambridge Car Solutions.