Fifth of drivers skip MOT and replacing tyres to cut costs - what does it mean for insurance?
Across all ages one in 10 admitted to skipping an MOT or failing to replace tyres with worn tread, but this doubled to 20 percent for under 44s.
And a fifth of all those surveyed by the RAC also said they have delayed necessary repairs and reduced or stopped servicing vehicles altogether in a bid to save money. Younger drivers are more likely to avoid maintaining their vehicles, with 36 percent of those questioned ignoring repairs and servicing.
This could be due to rising costs of a service. The RAC said 74 percent of respondents have seen an increase in the price of a service, up from 69 percent who said the same in 2023.
NimbleFins research shows the cost of a car service can vary hugely depending on the manufacturer, type of vehicle, geographic location and more. But when looking at three types of vehicles in three locations, prices ranged between £162 and £298, with the vehicles which cost more to buy costing more to service.
When it comes to insurance, Erin Yurday, CEO and co-founder of NimbleFins, said: "The law is clear, driving without a valid MOT or acceptable tyre tread is illegal. And therefore, doing so can invalidate car insurance.
"Our research shows the average cost of an MOT is less than £50, but the fine for driving with an outdated MOT can be up to £1,000.
"Without valid insurance, you could also have to pay out thousands of pounds more in repairs if you're in an accident.
"The maths just doesn't add up and you're putting yourself and other people at risk with poor tyres and an out of date MOT."
Figures from the RAC's 2024 Report on Motoring suggests failing to keep on top of maintenance could actually cost drivers more in the long run. Six out of 10 people questioned faced unexpected repair costs for their main vehicle over the past 12 months, costing them an average £617.
Half of drivers under 25 would struggle to meet a repair bill over £500, compared to 25 percent of drivers aged 65 and over.
NimbleFins previously reported the most common reason for car MOT failures in the UK is faulty lamps, reflectors, and electrical equipment.
These can be easily checked and fixed ahead of an MOT to prevent additional costs on the day of the test.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Safety on our roads is paramount. The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver. Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread – anyone who drives with poor tread or substandard tyres risks being involved in a collision.
“Those drivers who have taken the decision not to get their cars serviced or repaired might think they’re saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a far bigger garage bill for something which could have been cheaper to fix earlier on. They might also find themselves stuck in a breakdown situation at the side of the road, which can be both dangerous and expensive depending on whether they have the right roadside assistance cover."
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