To tax your car, you must have insurance. However, you do not need your auto insurance documentation to complete the tax form. You can pay your auto tax online, by phone, or in person at the post office.
The only time you don’t have to pay a tax is if you register your vehicle as “off-road.”
And, as with most things in insurance (and tax), there are a slew of complicated exceptions to consider.
Can I renew road tax without insurance?
Is it possible to renew my road tax without having vehicle insurance? No, you absolutely cannot renew your road tax without first renewing your insurance, regardless of where you do so.
Can I buy a car without insurance?
If you purchase a new car from a dealership, they may provide insurance for the return trip. They normally have an agreement with a temporary auto insurance company that covers all of the vehicles they sell. (These policies normally have a 7-day expiration date.)
However, this isn’t always the case, so double-check. Also, collect all of the formal documentation so you know precisely what you’re covered for when you come home. It’s not uncommon for only third-party insurance to be supplied.
Can you drive an uninsured car to sell it?
Everything You Should Be Aware Of You may have considered cancelling your insurance if you no longer drive your automobile and want to sell it. Driving without insurance is prohibited and can result in costly fines and out-of-pocket expenses.
Is your insurance valid without tax?
When you purchase automobile insurance, you supply information that your insurer uses to determine the cost of your premium. Unfortunately, if any of this information is inaccurate, your insurance may be invalidated, leaving you with large liabilities if you have an accident. The failure to provide accurate information isn’t the only issue that drivers face. There are several things you may do that will invalidate your insurance that you are unaware of. To make matters worse, certain price comparison websites make assumptions that can invalidate your insurance, according to press reports.
We’ve compiled a list of items that could cause you problems if you need to file a claim to help you avoid acquiring invalid insurance.
First, take the right step with your choice of footwear
Did you aware that wearing ‘wrong’ footwear might make your insurance invalid and cause a claim to be denied? While driving in flip-flops, platform shoes, or barefoot isn’t unlawful, you must be able to demonstrate that your footwear permits you to safely use the car controls.
The Driving Standards Agency claims that “Driving in the right shoes is especially crucial. We don’t recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking power as you do while wearing shoes.”
Rule 97 of the Highway Code further stipulates that you must make certain that: “Clothing and footwear do not impede you from operating the controls correctly.”
Don’t be concerned. You don’t have to ditch your heels or toss your flip-flops. Inside, invest in a pair of sensible driving shoes that you can keep in your car so you can always put them on before heading out.
Next, ditch the dangler think about items hanging from the windscreen or mirror
In addition, having something dangling from your rearview mirror can make your insurance useless. If your insurer believes that an accident was caused by things suspended from the mirror or hanging in your windscreen obstructing your line of view or causing a distraction, they may deny your claim. If you wish to use an air freshener, choose one that clips to your air vent rather than dangling from your rearview mirror.
Remember that if you have a SatNav holder (the sucker pad ones that cling to your dashboard or window), you must remove it prior to your MOT.
Pets on the loose can lose you cash
According to The Dogs Trust, 48% of dog owners are breaching the law by not properly restraining their dogs in their vehicles. If you use your automobile to transport your dog or other furry companions, be sure they are properly fastened. Your insurance claim may be denied if your dog is loose in the car (or, even worse, sitting in the front passenger seat or on your lap). Because your insurance company could determine that your pet was a distraction, causing you to lose concentration and cause an accident. If you have an animal loose in your vehicle, you might risk a £5,000 fine.
- To ensure that your dog is properly restrained in the rear of your car, purchase a dog guard or crate.
- Use a dog harness to tether your dog to the seat belt if you choose to travel with your pet in the rear seat.
What about failing to declare modifications?
Most drivers are aware that any modifications to their vehicle that make it travel quicker or raise its value must be declared. However, these aren’t the only changes you’ll need to notify your insurance about. Your insurance could be invalidated if you don’t declare all of the modifications you’ve made.
- Any stickers that indicate a point of view that could lead to vandalism or angry reactions should be avoided.
- Wraps and non-standard paint jobs should be declared because they may make your car more appealing to thieves.
Learn about the top ten modifications that can raise your auto insurance premiums, as well as how much they will cost you.
Lock it, don’t lose it
It’s easy to forget to secure your car when you’re hurrying to the office or juggling grocery bags and an overtired two-year-old. If you leave the keys in the door or ignition, your insurance provider may refuse to pay you if the vehicle is stolen.
If your automobile insurance claim was denied because you left the keys in the car, read this advice from The Financial Ombudsmen. This explains whether or not your insurance company is required to pay even if you’ve left your keys in the ignition.
Remember to renew your MOT and tax car insurance isn’t valid without them
‘Is auto insurance valid without tax?’ is a regular question we get. If you let your car tax or MOT expire, no matter how much you paid for fully comprehensive auto insurance, it won’t be valid. The simplest way to avoid getting into this situation is to keep your MOT and tax up to date.
- Here you can see if your vehicle’s MOT is still valid. Make sure you have your vehicle’s make and registration handy before you begin.
- Check to see if your automobile has been taxed recently. To do so, you’ll need your vehicle’s registration number.
Did you know that if your vehicle isn’t declared roadworthy, your auto insurance would be void? Even if your automobile has an up-to-date MOT, you should still make sure it is safe to drive. Keep a look out for items like brakes, oil leaks, broken windscreens, and anything else that can jeopardize the vehicle’s safety. Your car insurance may be canceled if you do not perform repairs and maintenance as soon as they are required. As you can see, being up to date on taxes isn’t the only requirement for insurance to be valid. The importance of reminders and regular car maintenance cannot be overstated.
Lending your car to family or friends
The only people who are allowed to drive your car are those who are mentioned on your insurance policy. Some friends and family members may have insurance that allows them to drive other people’s cars, although this is usually merely third-party coverage. That implies that if they drive your car and have an accident, your insurance company will not cover any damage to your automobile. If you’re unsure, decline their request to borrow the car for the evening.
Check to discover who is listed as a driver on your insurance policy. Adding a family member to your auto insurance doesn’t have to be expensive, and it gives you peace of mind that they’ll be completely covered in the event of an accident. It may also be able to add a second driver to your policy for a limited time, such as a day or a week. For additional information, contact your vehicle insurance broker.
Under-estimated mileage can lead you down the wrong road
Many of us admit to making educated guesses about our annual mileage. However, if you make a mistake, you could end up in trouble. If you’ve chosen a capped mileage policy, you must not drive much more than the restriction you’ve set. Your insurance may be voided if you do so.
- Examine your most recent two MOT certificates. The number of miles displayed on your car’s odometer can be found here. Calculate the difference between the two figures to find out how far you traveled that year.
- To figure out how many miles you’ll go, you can use a mileage calculator.
- Are you unsure how far your regular trips are? Use Google Maps to calculate the exact distance between your home and your workplace.
Don’t expect the insurance company to remain in the dark. If you file a claim, your insurance provider will examine your MOT records to make sure you haven’t exceeded the mileage limit. Insurers may deny your claim if you drive more than you say you will.
Failing to change your details if you change jobs
One of the elements considered to compute your premium is your job title. You must notify your insurance carrier if you change employment. Other issues of your insurance, such as mileage limitations, where the car is parked, and whether your insurance covers you for commuting to and from work, may also need to be considered.
Bending the truth is a dangerous game
Insurance isn’t inexpensive, so it’s easy to stretch the facts when you request a quotation. Your insurance will be invalidated if the information you offer when you apply for it isn’t completely accurate.
Make a point of mentioning any occurrences involving your vehicle, especially minor bumps. If these incidences do not need to be documented, your broker or insurer will let you know. If you submit a claim in the future and there is additional damage to your car that you did not mention when you purchased your insurance, your claim may be denied. You must also accept responsibility for any penalty points on your license, however keep in mind that penalty points are only valid for a limited time!
- Examine your insurance records to check if you provided any incorrect information by accident. If you notice anything that doesn’t add up, be honest with yourself and contact your insurance company immediately away. Take a look at The AA’s jargon buster if you’re not sure what something means.
- Examine your driver’s license to see how many, if any, penalty points you presently have. You’ll need your driver’s license number, your National Insurance number, and your driver’s license postcode for this, so make sure you have these accessible.
Be up-front to avoid fronting
Teenagers’ car insurance is expensive. Pretending to be the main driver while the automobile belongs to your teenage son or daughter may seem harmless. But it will happen. This is known as fronting, and it’s against the law.
Don’t presume the insurance company won’t find out. They can utilize a variety of methods to uncover the facts, including social media. If they suspect fronting, they will look into it further. If you’re proven guilty, your insurance will be canceled, and you and your partner may face charges of fraud. Your child will be charged with driving without insurance, which carries severe consequences. It means they’ll get points on their license, which could lead to a total ban. All of this could make obtaining insurance in the future more difficult and costly for you both.
- Other options for saving money on vehicle insurance for rookie drivers include using telematics or searching around for a better deal.
Finally, think about where you’re driving
Standard car insurance will not cover you if you chose to drive your automobile on a racetrack or participate in competitive motorsports. If you drive your car to work, double-check that you’re covered for that as well.
Speak to your car insurance broker if you plan to use your vehicle in any unusual locations or for unique occasions. You can, for example, get additional track day or competition insurance to ensure that your vehicle is still covered.
Saving you money and hassle
If you do need to file a claim, make sure you’re not in for a nasty surprise. Read your car insurance policy booklet carefully or discuss your coverage with your car insurance broker to ensure that you understand exactly what is and is not permitted. Finally, take the steps outlined above today. It only takes a few minutes of reading to ensure that your insurance is valid at all times.
Do you have a question about auto insurance or would like further information? For a free, no-obligation estimate, call our skilled team at 01179556835 or fill out the form below.
Is there any grace period for road tax?
It is completely free to apply for SORN. Remember that an automobile that has been declared SORN cannot be driven until it has been cancelled. Driving an automobile that has been labeled SORN is a much more serious offense than driving without a valid driver’s license. You might be fined up to £2,500 if you’re found driving while a SORN is still in effect.
Are There Any Grace Periods for Paying Car Tax?
There are no longer any car tax grace periods. There used to be a five-day grace time for fresh tax discs to arrive in the mail when paper discs were still in use. The grace period has been eliminated now that the process has gone online. From the minute you operate your vehicle on public roads, you must have current car insurance.
Can I renew my road tax at post office?
Starting tomorrow, post offices around the country will accept ‘walk-ins’ for road tax and driver’s license renewals (Sept 6).
This is in line with Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong’s remark during a press conference on Friday, according to a Pos Malaysia statement dated September 3.
“Customers who have pre-booked Road Transport Department (JPJ) renewal service appointments can either keep their appointments at their desired date, time, and place or just walk-in to any of our post offices to renew their driver’s license or road tax,” the statement stated.
“Pos Malaysia will continue to implement standard operating procedures (SOP) as directed by health authorities at all of our post offices, including limiting the number of customers inside our premises, mandatory use of face masks, temperature checks, scanning of the MySejahtera app, and physical distancing of one meter.
“Customers who exhibit Covid-19 symptoms will not be permitted to enter any Pos Malaysia locations, according to the company.
It also encouraged users to make sure their vehicles are covered by valid insurance and to have their insurance e-cover note visible for inspection by authorities.
“Customers can also renew their auto insurance at post office counters or online through our website and mobile app,” according to the statement.
Can I drive a uninsured car with my insurance Ireland?
Yes, most automobile insurance policies provided in Ireland allow you to drive other people’s cars. However, in order to be covered, you must have your own auto insurance policy in your own name.
Having more than one car at your disposal is really beneficial. It’s important to know how your insurance will protect you before you get behind the wheel, whether for emergencies or pure flexibility.
You will be covered if you drive someone else’s automobile under conventional car insurance policy. It should go without saying that you must obtain the owner’s authorization in order to do so; otherwise, your insurance will be void.
Can you insure a car without tax and MOT?
A valid MOT certificate is required to renew your vehicle’s annual road tax; however, you can insure your vehicle without one. The most important thing to remember about insurance is that if you don’t have a MOT certificate, your insurer would most likely refuse to cover you in the event of an accident.
When it comes to taxing your vehicle, it will be checked to see if it has a current MOT certificate, which must be obtained before it can be taxed. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is prohibited, and your insurance coverage may be canceled as a result.
Can you tax a vehicle if you are not the registered keeper?
Because a V5C only confirms that you are the registered custodian of a car, you can only tax it if you own it.
“You may not be able to tax a vehicle that does not have a V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book),” according to the government website.