When Can You Drive a Car Without an MOT?
Although it’s illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT in most situations, there are certain exceptions where it’s allowed. Knowing these exceptions can help you stay within the law whilst getting your car back on the road.
- Driving to a pre-booked MOT test: You are legally allowed to drive a car without an MOT if you are on your way to a pre-booked MOT test. However, you must have insurance in place to do so.
- Driving to a garage for repairs: If your car has failed its MOT and requires repairs, you can drive it to a garage to have the necessary work done, as long as the garage visit is pre-arranged and insurance is in place.
- Vehicles declared SORN: If your vehicle is declared off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you don’t need an MOT as long as it’s not being driven or parked on public roads. Insurance may still be required if the car is stored in a way that poses risks, such as theft or damage.
Aside from these specific situations, driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in fines, points on your licence, or even prosecution. Always ensure your car has a valid MOT before using it on public roads unless you’re driving to a test or garage appointment.
How Does Not Having an MOT Affect Insurance?
Insurance providers generally require that your car is roadworthy and legal to drive, which includes having a valid MOT certificate. Without an MOT, your car is considered unfit for the road, and insurance providers may refuse to cover it for regular driving. Even if you can get insurance, the cover could be limited.
- Limited cover: Insurance for a car without an MOT typically only covers specific situations, such as driving to an MOT appointment or keeping the car parked off-road.
- Claims may be rejected: If you drive a car without an MOT and have an accident, your insurance provider may reject any claims you make, as driving without an MOT is considered illegal.
- Higher premiums: Cars without a valid MOT are seen as higher risk by insurers, and if they offer cover, it could come with higher premiums or limited cover options.
In short, whilst it’s possible to insure a car without an MOT, the insurance may not cover regular road use, and driving without a valid MOT could invalidate any insurance claims if you’re involved in an accident.
Can You Insure a SORNed Vehicle?
If your car doesn’t have an MOT and you’ve decided not to drive it for an extended period, you may choose to declare the vehicle as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). This means that the car is officially off the road and doesn’t need an MOT or road tax, but what about insurance?
Whilst you are not required to have car insurance for a SORNed vehicle, many owners choose to insure their off-road car to protect it from risks like theft, fire, or damage whilst it’s stored. This is known as "laid-up" insurance and provides cover for vehicles that aren’t being driven but still need protection.
- Laid-up insurance: This type of insurance covers cars that are off the road and not being driven. It typically provides protection against theft, fire, and damage whilst the vehicle is parked or stored.
- Protection for stored vehicles: Even if your car isn’t being driven, it’s still vulnerable to risks like theft or weather damage. Having insurance in place can give you peace of mind whilst the car is off the road.
If your vehicle is SORNed, laid-up insurance can be a good option for keeping it protected without paying for full cover designed for road use.
How Do You Get an MOT After It Has Expired?
If your car’s MOT has expired, getting it back on the road legally involves booking a test as soon as possible. Whilst you can’t drive the car without an MOT except in specific circumstances, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the process is smooth and your car is ready for the road again.
- Book an MOT test: Contact a local MOT testing centre to arrange an appointment. You are allowed to drive the car directly to the test, as long as the test is pre-booked and you have valid insurance.
- Check your insurance: Make sure your insurance policy allows you to drive the car to the MOT test. You may need to inform your insurer that you are driving without an MOT for this specific purpose.
- Complete any necessary repairs: If the car fails the MOT, you may be able to drive it to a garage for repairs, but only if the garage visit is pre-arranged and insurance is in place. Once the repairs are complete, the car could need to pass another MOT before it can be legally driven.
If your MOT has expired, taking these steps can help you get the car roadworthy again whilst staying within the law.
What Happens If You Drive Without an MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT can have serious consequences. Not only is it illegal, but it can also lead to fines, penalty points, and complications with your insurance. It’s important to understand the risks involved and why keeping your car’s MOT up to date is a top recommendation for staying legal and insured.
- Fines and penalties: Driving without an MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If the car is considered dangerous, the fine can be as high as £2,500, and you could receive penalty points on your licence.
- Insurance complications: If you have an accident whilst driving without an MOT, your insurance provider may refuse to cover the claim, leaving you responsible for all costs. Driving without an MOT can invalidate your insurance in most cases.
- Vehicle seizure: In extreme cases, if you’re caught driving without an MOT, the police may seize your vehicle until you can prove it has passed an MOT test.
To avoid these penalties and risks, always ensure your car has a valid MOT before driving it on public roads, except in the specific circumstances mentioned earlier.
Can You Buy a Car Without an MOT and Get It Insured?
If you’re purchasing a car without a valid MOT, you may wonder if it’s possible to insure it before getting it tested. Whilst it is possible to get insurance for a car without an MOT, the cover could be limited, and you won’t be able to drive it on public roads until the MOT is in place.
- Insurance for transport: You can insure the car to drive it to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs. Be sure to inform your insurer of the situation and check the cover provided for this specific purpose.
- SORNed vehicles: If the car is going to be kept off the road until it passes its MOT, you may choose to declare it SORN and take out laid-up insurance for protection whilst it’s stored.
When buying a car without an MOT, it’s generally a wise suggestion to factor in the time and cost of getting it roadworthy again, as well as ensuring that any driving is within the legal limits for cars without a current MOT.
Conclusion: Staying Insured Without an MOT
Whilst it is technically possible to insure a car without an MOT, the cover may be limited to specific situations such as driving to a pre-booked MOT test or keeping the car off-road. Driving a car without an MOT in most circumstances is illegal and can invalidate your insurance, leading to serious penalties and financial risks.
To ensure you have the right protection and stay within the law, it’s important to check your insurance policy and explore your options. For more information about car insurance and how to stay covered, consider comparing policies today to look for the best option for your needs.
Why not get quotes now?