When a road traffic accident occurs, insurers must establish the facts quickly and accurately. In the UK, MOT data plays an increasingly important role in helping insurers investigate accident claims. MOT records provide insight into a vehicle’s condition before an incident, supporting fair assessments of liability, risk, and potential fraud.
MOT data goes beyond a simple pass or fail result. It includes information about advisories, major and dangerous defects, mileage readings, and test dates. This historical data allows insurers to build a clearer picture of a vehicle’s maintenance and roadworthiness over time.
By reviewing MOT history, insurers can assess whether known faults existed before an accident and whether these issues may have contributed to the incident.
One of the first questions insurers consider is whether a vehicle was roadworthy at the time of the accident. An expired MOT or recent failures for safety-critical components such as brakes, tyres, or steering can raise concerns.
If a vehicle had unresolved advisories or defects, insurers may investigate whether negligence played a role. While an MOT is not a guarantee of safety, it provides a recognised benchmark for minimum legal standards.
MOT data can help insurers identify mechanical factors that may have contributed to an accident. For example, repeated advisories for worn tyres or braking imbalance may suggest reduced vehicle control.
Although insurers do not rely solely on MOT records, they use this information alongside engineer reports, witness statements, and telematics data to form a comprehensive view of the claim.
MOT records are also valuable in detecting inconsistencies in accident claims. Mileage discrepancies between MOT tests and claim details can raise red flags. Similarly, claims involving sudden mechanical failure may be scrutinised if MOT history shows long-standing advisories that were never addressed.
This data helps insurers reduce fraudulent claims while protecting honest policyholders from higher premiums.
Drivers are often unaware that MOT history can be reviewed during claims investigations. Keeping vehicles well maintained and addressing advisories promptly reduces both safety risks and insurance complications.
Checking MOT history before buying or insuring a vehicle can also highlight existing issues. Tools such as the MOT checker on CheckMot.com allow drivers to review records quickly and make informed decisions.
It is important to note that MOT data is only one part of an insurer’s investigation. Accidents can occur even in well-maintained vehicles. Insurers use MOT records to support decisions, not to determine fault in isolation.
When used responsibly, MOT data contributes to fairer outcomes and greater transparency in claims handling.
Yes. MOT history is publicly accessible and commonly reviewed during claims investigations.
No. An MOT confirms minimum safety standards at the time of testing, not ongoing condition.
It may complicate a claim, particularly if vehicle condition is questioned.
Advisories may be considered if they relate to the cause of an accident and were ignored.
Yes. Addressing advisories improves safety and reduces future insurance risks.