Could putting off repairs invalidate your car insurance?

A fifth of drivers are delaying servicing their car and making necessary repairs due to the costs involved, according to a new report by the RAC. 

Many motorists are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of maintaining their vehicles. New figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show the cost of car repairs totalled £2 billion in July to September, up 26% year-on-year. 

But failing to keep your car in a good condition can lead to major problems if you need to claim on your insurance. Read on to find out why.

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Drivers delay services and MOTs due to costs

A new report by the RAC has found a fifth of drivers (19%) have put off necessary repairs or scheduled maintenance on their car. 

Most worryingly, 10% of drivers said they'd avoided putting their car through its MOT, which is a legal requirement, or had elected not to buy new tyres even if they were needed. 

Cost is the main reason for delaying important checks and repairs. 74% of drivers said the cost of servicing their car increased in the last year, up from 69% in 2023. 

Over the past 12 months, 59% of drivers said they'd faced unexpected repair costs for their main vehicle, at an average cost of £617. While the majority of this group (63%) managed to cover these additional expenses comfortably, 37% faced difficulties in doing so, a figure that rose to 45% among the under-25s. 

The comparison site Go Compare recently reported similar findings. Its survey found that 12% of motorists never get their car serviced. A further 30% of respondents said they get their car serviced but leave it longer than the recommended time.

• Find out more: how to find cheap car insurance

Motorists risk losing their cover

The requirement to keep up to date with repairs and checks should be included in the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

Which? spoke to some of the biggest insurers and found poor car maintenance can lead to serious problems.

Aviva told us customers are expected to keep their vehicle in good condition from the moment the policy starts. This includes checking lights and bulbs are in clean and working order, replacing worn tyres, and making sure a valid MOT is in place. Drivers who don't do these things risk having a claim rejected or their insurance cancelled.

Aviva also warns amateurs to think twice before making repairs themselves. DIY maintenance can go horribly wrong and a botched job can result in the car no longer being safe to drive. It could also affect the car's value, increasing the cost of the premium, or lead to the policy being invalidated.

Allianz said that failing to keep a car roadworthy could lead to claims for accidental damage being declined. This could be the case if the incident was caused by problems that would have been spotted during a scheduled service, such as bald tyres or defective brakes. Damage caused by third parties would still be covered, however.

Given the risks, does that mean you need to provide proof of a valid MOT or recent service to take out a new policy? Not necessarily, says Admiral. 

The insurer confirmed that it doesn’t validate whether customers have an MOT or if their vehicle is well maintained. It says cover is sold under the expectation that the car has an MOT (if required) and is roadworthy. The lack of a valid MOT could however result in greater scrutiny of the condition of the car in the event of a claim being made. 

• Find out more: Best car insurance 2024

What does the law say?

It's your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is safe and in ‘roadworthy’ condition. Car owners are generally expected to get their vehicle serviced once a year, or when they have driven 12,000 miles. If a car is more than three years old, an annual MOT is a legal requirement. 

The consequences of not having a valid MOT can be significant. Not only could you be fined up to £2,500, you could also get penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition or be banned from driving entirely. 

What's more, if you are involved in a serious or fatal accident, your 'dangerous' car may be deemed an aggravating factor and could be reflected in any sentence imposed.

What type of repairs does car insurance cover?

Insurers will usually pay out for repairs caused by accidents, windscreen damage, theft, vandalism, fire, storm or floods. 

Some mishaps aren't covered though. For example, insurers won't usually pay out for fixing general wear and tear. You're also unlikely to be able to claim for mechanical failure, such as malfunctioning parts.

You'll usually have to pay your excess charge (which is stated on your policy) when making a claim. So if the cost of the repairs is less than your excess, it might not be worth claiming. Claiming may also impact the future price of your policy and your no-claims discount.

Even if your car is in good condition, it's worth considering taking out additional breakdown cover. There are lots of different types of this insurance and varying levels of cover, so do your research first to ensure you're buying the right cover for your needs.

• Find out more: our guide on the best breakdown providers

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