The Relationship Between MOT History and Car Warranty Claims

Maintaining a valid MOT is not only a legal requirement in the UK but can also have a significant impact on your car’s warranty. Many drivers are unaware that MOT history plays a vital role when submitting warranty claims. Understanding this relationship can help you avoid unnecessary disputes and ensure your car remains protected.

How MOT History Affects Your Car Warranty

Car warranties often come with specific conditions, including the need to keep your vehicle roadworthy. If your MOT history shows missed tests, failures, or outstanding advisories, it can raise questions about whether your car was maintained to the manufacturer’s or warranty provider’s standards.

For instance, if a major fault develops and your MOT history indicates it was previously flagged as an advisory or failure that you didn’t address, your warranty provider may reject your claim.

Missed MOT Tests and Warranty Validity

Driving without a valid MOT is illegal (except in specific cases such as travelling to a pre-booked test), but it can also void your warranty. Without a current MOT certificate, you may find it challenging to prove that your vehicle was roadworthy at the time the fault occurred. This lack of documentation can be enough for warranty providers to deny your claim.

Addressing Advisories to Protect Your Warranty

Advisories are not immediate MOT failures, but they are warnings of potential future problems. Ignoring advisories such as brake wear, tyre tread concerns, or suspension issues can leave you vulnerable if these faults later lead to a warranty-related claim.

Addressing advisories promptly helps maintain your car’s safety, keeps your MOT history clean, and strengthens your case in the event of a warranty dispute.

Can a Failed MOT Impact Warranty Claims?

Yes, a failed MOT can impact warranty claims, especially if the failure is related to a system or part covered by your warranty. Warranty providers expect regular maintenance, and a history of MOT failures suggests neglect, making them more likely to reject claims for related damage or repairs.

Best Practices to Maintain Warranty Compliance

• Keep up with annual MOT tests: Book your MOT early to avoid lapses.
• Address advisories without delay: Resolve flagged issues before they escalate.
• Retain all MOT records: Keep both digital and paper copies for proof of maintenance.
• Service your car regularly: Follow manufacturer service intervals alongside MOT testing.

By following these steps, you can ensure your MOT history supports, rather than hinders, your warranty claims.