Can a Failed MOT Adversely Affect Your Insurance Premiums?

An MOT test is a legal requirement to ensure your car meets road safety and environmental standards. But what happens if your vehicle fails its MOT? Beyond repair costs and inconvenience, many drivers wonder: Can a failed MOT affect your insurance premiums?

Does a Failed MOT Directly Affect Insurance?

A failed MOT does not automatically increase your insurance premiums. Insurance companies do not directly adjust premiums based on MOT results. However, driving without a valid MOT, or failing to maintain a roadworthy vehicle, can indirectly influence your insurance in several ways.

Driving Without a Valid MOT

If your car has failed its MOT and the previous certificate has expired, driving it on the road (except for pre-booked repairs or a retest) is illegal. If you are caught driving in this condition, insurers may consider it a breach of your policy terms. This could lead to:

• Refused claims in the event of an accident
• Policy cancellation or non-renewal
• Higher premiums when seeking future cover

How MOT Failures Can Signal Risk

Insurers evaluate the risk of insuring a vehicle and its driver. A history of MOT failures, especially those relating to safety-critical components like brakes, tyres, or lights, may signal poor vehicle maintenance. This can make you appear to be a higher-risk policyholder, which could influence future premiums.

Repairing Your Car Promptly

One way to avoid insurance complications is to address MOT failure issues immediately. Arrange repairs and a retest as soon as possible. Many garages offer free or reduced-price retests within 10 working days of the initial MOT.

By keeping your car in a safe and roadworthy condition, you reduce the likelihood of claims being denied due to negligence.

Does a Failed MOT Show on Your Insurance Record?

MOT history is publicly accessible via the DVSA database, which insurers may check when assessing your risk profile. While a single failed MOT is unlikely to have a major impact, repeated failures for the same safety issues can raise concerns.

Final Thoughts

So, can a failed MOT adversely affect your insurance premiums? Not directly—but the consequences of driving without a valid MOT or failing to maintain your car properly can increase your insurance costs over time. To stay protected and avoid penalties, regularly check your MOT status at Check MOT and act quickly if your vehicle fails its test.