When it comes to setting car insurance premiums, most UK drivers assume factors like age, driving history, and location are the main considerations. While these are key, there’s another important detail insurers increasingly take into account — your MOT history. Your MOT results can tell insurers a lot about how well you maintain your vehicle, which in turn can influence the cost of your car insurance.

Why Insurers Care About MOT Results

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is designed to ensure that all vehicles on UK roads meet safety and environmental standards. A consistent record of MOT passes suggests that a vehicle is well-maintained and poses a lower risk of accidents or breakdowns.

On the other hand, frequent MOT failures, advisories left unaddressed, or a history of missed tests could indicate poor vehicle maintenance — a potential red flag for insurers. Since insurance companies aim to assess overall risk, your MOT record provides a useful insight into how responsibly you look after your car.

You can easily view your full MOT history, including passes, failures, and advisories, using CheckMot.com.

How MOT History Affects Your Premium

While insurance companies don’t officially base quotes solely on MOT results, they often use data from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) as part of their wider risk assessment. Here’s how MOT results can influence your quote:

• Frequent Failures: Multiple failures within a few years may suggest the vehicle isn’t properly maintained, which could slightly increase your insurance costs.
• Ignored Advisories: If previous advisories were not fixed and led to later failures, it shows neglect — another possible risk indicator.
• Consistent Passes: A clean MOT record demonstrates reliability and care, which may help you qualify for more competitive premiums.
• Expired MOTs: Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can invalidate your insurance entirely.

In short, a good MOT record may not directly lower your premium, but it can positively influence an insurer’s perception of your risk profile.

Keeping Your MOT Record Clean

A positive MOT history comes down to consistent vehicle maintenance. Follow these steps to keep your record strong:

• Get your car serviced regularly and address minor issues early.
• Review MOT advisories and fix them promptly.
• Book MOTs ahead of time to avoid expiry lapses.
• Use CheckMot.com to stay updated on your MOT expiry date and review past results.

Taking these proactive steps not only improves your vehicle’s safety but also reflects positively in your insurance risk assessment.

FAQs

1. Do car insurance companies check MOT history?

Yes. Many insurers review MOT records to assess how well a car is maintained before offering a quote.

2. Can a failed MOT affect my insurance premium?

Not directly, but repeated failures or poor maintenance history could make insurers view you as a higher risk.

3. Does driving without a valid MOT affect insurance?

Yes. Driving without a valid MOT can invalidate your insurance and result in penalties.

4. How can I check my MOT record?

You can check your vehicle’s MOT history and expiry date at CheckMot.com.

A clean MOT record isn’t just about passing a test — it’s a sign of responsible ownership. Maintaining your car properly helps ensure road safety, compliance with UK law, and potentially more favourable car insurance quotes in the long run.