The annual MOT for any vehicle older than three years helps to keep our roads (and you) safer. But it can be stressful, especially if you rely on your car for work or to get the kids to school. We explain what happens next if your car has failed its MOT and how MOT fail insurance could buy you peace of mind in the future.

My car failed its MOT. What next?

The first thing is: don’t panic. Take a look at your test certificate to see if your car failed with a ‘dangerous’ problem or a ‘major’ problem. This will determine if you can still drive the vehicle and impact on what you do next. Remember, you need to keep hold of your test certificate for the next steps.

If your car failed the MOT with a dangerous problem:

If your car failed with a dangerous problem you cannot drive it away. You’ll need to have the problem fixed at the test garage. Alternatively, you could decide to have the car towed to a different garage.

• Get a quote for the repair work to be carried out at the test garage.
• Get quotes from a couple of other garages too. You could find that the cost of having the work done elsewhere is lower, even with towing fees included.

You’ll need to carefully weigh up whether the cost of getting the car repaired is worth it, and if you can afford it. Another option is to scrap the car. But that will leave you without wheels unless you can afford to buy a new one.

My current MOT doesn’t run out for a few more days. Can I still drive my car?

No. If you are given an MOT test certificate fail for a dangerous problem, you cannot drive your vehicle. This is the case even if the previous MOT certificate still has some days left to run.

For example:

Your current MOT certificate runs out on 10 November. You have an MOT test on 30 October and get a ‘dangerous’ fail. You cannot continue to use the vehicle as it is until 10 November. The problem must be fixed and you must get a retest pass before you can drive your car again.

What happens if I drive a car that has failed with a dangerous problem?

It’s not worth driving a car that has failed an MOT with a dangerous problem.

As well as putting yourself and other road users in danger, you could be fined £2,500, get three penalty points, or be banned from driving.

Getting a retest free

If your car is retested at the same garage as the original test was carried out within 10 working days it will be free of charge.

Before you have the retest, make sure that all the problems listed on your VT30 fail certificate have been put right.

If your car failed the MOT with a major problem:

If your car failed with a major problem and your current MOT is still valid, you can drive it away. This gives you more options for getting the fault fixed at an alternative garage if you want to.

• Get a quote for the repair work to be carried out at the test garage.
• Get quotes from a couple of other garages too. Remember, as long as your current MOT is still valid you can drive your car to another garage for the work to be carried out.

Again, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth repairing the car or if you should scrap it instead.

Do I have to get the repair work done straight away?

Yes. If your car failed the MOT with a major problem, you’ll need to get it repaired quickly. Even if your current MOT is still valid you can be prosecuted if you continue to drive the car and your car has faults that make it ‘unroadworthy.’ You’ll be breaking the law by knowingly driving with problems.

Things that make a car unroadworthy include problems with the:

• Lights.
• Tyres.
• Bodywork.
• Wheel fixings.

Get more information here.

Getting a retest free

If your car is retested at the same garage as the original test was carried out within 10 working days it will be free of charge. Before you have the retest, make sure that all the problems listed on your VT30 fail certificate have been put right.

Appealing your MOT failure

If you think that your car should have passed, speak to your test centre before having the repairs done. You can appeal against the failure if you think it was wrong. You’ll need to fill in this complaint form within 14 days of the test. You’ll have to pay for another MOT, but if it that test finds the original fail was incorrect, you should get a full or partial refund. Don’t forget, you can’t carry out any work on your car between the tests.

Taking the financial sting away

If your car, van, or motorbike fails its MOT it can be time-consuming to get back on the road again. Even worse, it could cost more than you can easily afford to pay. One way to avoid these unexpected bills is to take out MOT failure insurance. This is designed to cover the costs of the repair or replacement of certain parts if your vehicle fails its MOT. It also covers the costs of labour at VAT. It doesn’t cover everything. For example, it won’t cover worn-out brake pads as that is part of the normal wear and tear of a vehicle. But it will cover other problems, like problems with the fuel system and sensors. It means you won’t have to dig deep into your pockets to get back on the road – and that means real peace of mind.

Buy cheap MOT fail insurance

Our friendly team at Easy2Insure makes it Easy2 find the best price MOT failure insurance. All you need to do is give us a few details and we’ll do the rest. We’ll shop around on your behalf and negotiate hard to find you the cover at a low cost. Then, if your car fails its MOT you’ll know it’s nothing to worry about. To get started, simply call us on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch.

2) Dry it properly

Even more important than washing your motorcycle is to make sure it is completely dry afterwards. Storing it damp is like inviting rust to come and party. As the wash may have removed grease from cables, make sure you re-grease them. Again, it’s vital that these parts are dry or you’ll trap the water under the grease.

3) Take charge

Cool temperatures can make batteries go flat surprisingly quickly. Then when you do want to start her up, you’ll find nothing happens. A trickle charger will help to keep your battery in tip-top condition and ready to get your engine roaring into action. You’ll need a power point near to where you store your bike to use a trickle charger. If you can’t do that, you might want to consider removing the battery and storing it somewhere warmer.

4) Regular starts

If you can, start up your motorbike regularly through the winter. In cold weather, condensation can build up in the exhaust and start the rot from the inside out. Starting her up will help to blast away condensation, keeping the exhaust dry.

5) Petrol tank decisions

There are two schools of thought when it comes to what to do with your petrol tank. Some say fill it up and others recommend draining it so it’s empty. Both are based on the same reason. Moisture in the tank can condense in cold weather and start to rust the tank. If it’s full, there is no space for the condensation. If it’s empty, there is no moisture to condense. What you choose to do is up to you, but don’t leave it half-full.

6) Block holes to stop vermin

Your motorbike makes an attractive home for mice and rats looking to shelter from the winter cold. Avoid the problem by blocking up the air intake holes and exhaust using an oily rag. This will stop mice from making a nest in your pride and joy and can also help to limit damp.

7) Write a note to remind you that you’ve blocked up the holes!

Your next job is to write a note to remind you that you have blocked the holes. You don’t want to start her up without removing the rags first.

8) Stop flat spots

Leaving your bike parked up over winter can quickly lead to flat spots on the tyres. These are caused by the weight of the bike pressing down in just one area. The best way to prevent this happening is to lift the tyres off the ground whilst it is being stored. You can buy lifting blocks made specifically for this purpose quite cheaply. Another option is to simply roll your bike forward every week to move the tyres around. You could also try placing an offcut of carpet under the wheels so the tyres are not in direct contact with a cold hard floor.

9) Tuck it up

If you’ve got a dry garage or shed, these will be the best place to store your motorbike for winter. You can cover your bike to protect it from spider droppings and dust. Some experts recommend avoiding covers made from cotton. That’s because cotton can absorb moisture, holding it against your bike paint and metalwork. Instead, look for a breathable, man-made fibre cover. You might also want to consider investing in an airflow chamber. This is like a big bubble that surrounds your motorbike. It maintains a constant airflow around your bike, ensuring humidity is kept at bay. You’ll need a mains point nearby to plug it in. An added bonus of using an airflow chamber is that the ‘bubble’ offers an extra layer of protection against bumps and knocks. That’s useful if you’re storing your bike in a garage that gets frequent use.

10) Don’t forget your insurance

Just because you’re not planning on going out on your bike for the winter, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to cancel your motorbike insurance.

Your motorbike is still at risk of damage due to fire or theft. Cancelling your insurance could also cost more than you save with increased premiums when you come to renew. That’s because some insurance companies consider leaving a motorbike uninsured to be a risky action. As your premium is based on risk, it can mean higher prices.

11) Insurance again

Winter days when you can’t get out on the road are the perfect time to do that paperwork you’ve been putting off. For example, finding the best price for motorcycle insurance. Whether you need an agreed value for your classic motorbike or are looking for cheap cover for every day, we can help. Our specialist team at Easy2Insure will shop around on your behalf to find you the best price on quality cover you can rely on. Call our team for free on 0800 917 9522 or get a quote.

Don’t just leave your motorbike in the garage over winter. Instead, follow our 11 tips on storing your motorbike for winter and you’ll be ready to get back in the saddle in spring.

For more handy advice for motorbike owners, read our blog on How To Clean Motorbike Leathers.

 With prices hitting nearly £900, iPhones are an expensive investment. They’re also all too easy to drop or leave behind on the train and are a target for thieves. Insurance gives you peace of mind that your precious piece of tech can be fixed or replaced with no unexpected bills. But do you need iPhone insurance? Read on to find out.

First, do I need iPhone insurance?

Insurance is all about managing risk. You pay a relatively small sum of money for the peace of mind that if something does happen, you won’t have a big bill to pay. Of course, you may enjoy many years with your iPhone without the need to make a claim.

To decide if you need iPhone insurance, you’ll need to weigh up the following:

• Are you the sort of person who easily loses things?
• Would it be tricky to afford to replace your iPhone if it got damaged or stolen?
• Does the thought of not having a phone for a week or longer make you break out in a cold sweat?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the questions above, iPhone insurance is definitely worth considering.

What does iPhone insurance cover?

Different insurance policies include different features, so it’s important to always read the small print to see what you are buying.

Here’s our top five list of handy features to look out for when you buy iPhone insurance:

• Are downloads included? Some insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing downloads (like music) lost when your phone is damaged or stolen. If that’s important to you, make sure it’s included.
• Will you get a temporary replacement handset? If your phone is damaged, your insurance company is likely to send it for repair, which can take weeks. If you can’t bear the thought of being without your phone, make sure your insurance offers a temporary replacement handset whilst yours is being repaired. Some policies can even offer a rapid replacement guarantee, sending a new phone within as little as four hours. If that’s something you want, make sure it’s included.
• Unauthorised calls. Some mobile phone insurance policies will cover the cost of expensive calls made without your authorisation if your phone is stolen. Premium line calls can quickly mount up, so adding this cover buys extra peace of mind.
• Most Brits admit to using their phone on the toilet according to YouGov. But not every phone insurance policy will cover you if it suffers water damage, as a result of being dropped down the loo for example. For total peace of mind, check your phone insurance does include cover for water damage or other ‘careless’ situations, such as leaving it on the train.
• Cover overseas. If you like to Instagram your holiday pictures, you’ll be reassured with an insurance policy that includes overseas travel.

Remember: If you don’t need all these different types of cover, make sure you don’t pay for it. Look for a tailored policy so you only pay for what you want.

Next, is it covered already?

You may have decided that iPhone insurance is worth it for you. But don’t rush out and buy a new policy just yet – first, take the time to discover if your phone is covered already. Check your home insurance policy carefully to see if your phone is included or have a chat with your broker if you’re not sure. Some bank accounts also include mobile phone insurance, so speak to your bank. If you are already covered, make sure you check what is and isn’t included. For example, will it replace your iPhone with a new handset or a refurbished one? And does it offer a temporary phone to keep you connected whilst yours is being fixed?

It’s also worth double-checking the terms of the cover. With some home insurance policies, your phone will be covered whilst it is in the home but not when you’re out and about.

Do I have to buy the insurance I’m offered when I buy the phone?

No. When you buy a new iPhone you’re likely to be offered insurance, but you don’t have to take this. Instead, you are free to shop around to find the best deal.

Things to consider when you buy iPhone insurance

To make sure the iPhone insurance you buy is worth the cash, think about these things:

• Is your iPhone under warranty? Remember the warranty covers your phone for mechanical failure, but won’t cover you if the phone is lost, stolen or damaged accidentally.
• How much is the excess? This is the amount of money you have to pay if you make a claim. Generally the higher the excess, the lower the cost of the premium (the amount you pay for the insurance). Tweaking the excess is a great way to save money, but make sure it is still affordable to you. If you set the excess too high you might not be able to afford to make a claim.
• Are any other gadgets included in the policy? Chances are you also have a laptop or iPad that you would like to insure. Buying a bundle deal that covers all your tech away from the home can be cheaper than separate policies. Speak to your insurance broker to find out more.

Buying value for money iPhone insurance

Always compare prices from as many different insurance companies as you can to be sure you’re getting the best price. A price comparison website can be a good place to start, but remember not every insurance company is represented on these sites. It’s also important to check that the cover you specify when getting a quote matches the cover offered to you. Just because you tick a box for new for old cover, there’s no guarantee that the quotes you are given by the comparison website will include this.

Alternatively, you can use an independent insurance broker like Easy2Insure. We’ll do the legwork for you to find the best price on iPhone insurance with no nasty surprises in the small print. Simply call our friendly team on 0800 917 9522 today.

If you rent out a holiday home or Airbnb a room in your home, the right insurance can help you increase your return. Firstly, standard home insurance is not suitable, so you need to look for a specific policy that covers holiday lets. As with all types of insurance, there are lots of options out there and not every policy will suit everyone. To make it Easy2 decide what you need, here’s an outline of the different types of cover most holiday let owners need to consider.

Buildings insurance

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your holiday home against damage, for example as a result of a fire or flood. If you own the property with a mortgage, buildings insurance is likely to be a condition of the loan.

Contents insurance

If you rent the property fully-furnished, contents insurance covers the cost of replacing the contents if they are damaged or stolen.

Think about:

• There’s an option to extend contents cover to include accidental damage caused by you or your guests. If you allow pets to stay in the property, it’s worth checking your insurance covers accidental damage by pets too.
• Double-check your holiday let insurance covers theft by guests.

To calculate the amount of cover you’ll need, list everything that you’d need to replace in a worst-case scenario, for example, if there was a fire. Don’t forget things like beds and bedding as well as obvious things like the TV. You can’t rent out your holiday home without these items, and if the worst does happen and you don’t have the right level of cover, it could delay how quickly you can get it ready to rent out and earning you an income.

Emergency cover

How many times have you been contacted by a guest to say the washing machine isn’t working or the electrics have blown? If you live close to your holiday let and are good at fixing things you may be able to sort it out yourself quickly. But if you don’t, taking out emergency cover insurance gives you peace of mind. You or your guests will have 24-hour access to trusted workmen who will come and fix the problem with no fuss and no extra cost. With things like water leaks, this can also help to minimise any damage that is caused, lowering your bills in the long-term.

Public liability insurance

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen and that could lead to legal action. For example, a guest could trip over a loose paving slab at your holiday let and hurt their ankle. No-win, no-fee legal support makes it easy for a guest or visitor in your property to bring a legal case against you for financial compensation. Even if you are not found to be negligent, it can be costly to defend your case. Public liability insurance for holiday lets can be considered essential for your peace of mind. It covers the cost of your legal fees and any compensation that is awarded. It also gives you access to a legal team that will take control of the case, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

It’s also worth checking that your public liability insurance covers you for damage occurring to a neighbouring property because of a problem with your property. For example, if a guest floods the bathroom and it causes damage to the apartment below.

Loss of earnings insurance

Do you rely on your income from your holiday let to pay the mortgage? If something happens and you can’t rent the property, can you cope financially? If not, loss of earnings insurance could be worth considering. This will pay out a sum of money if it’s not possible to rent your holiday home, due to circumstances beyond your control.

You might also want to consider including an alternative accommodation option. That means if you have to cancel someone’s holiday, or they have to move out mid-stay, the cost of offering them alternative accommodation is covered.

Emergency travel expenses

If your holiday home is abroad, it can be expensive to travel at short notice if there’s an emergency. Ask your insurance broker about adding on emergency travel expenses cover. This can give you peace of mind there will be no expensive extra bills to worry about.

How to reduce your holiday let insurance premiums

Don’t be tempted to skimp on insurance. Instead, use these tricks to get the best price on your premium:

• First, increase your excess.
• Next, increase security. Staying claim free is one of the best ways to keep future premiums down. Increasing the security around your holiday home is one way to deter thieves. Always let your broker know if you have CCTV or smart devices connected that can detect a water leak. This active approach to keeping the property safe can help them to negotiate the best price on your behalf.
• Thirdly, carry out regular maintenance at the property. Keeping your holiday home in good condition is another way to help to reduce the risk of making a claim. If it’s going to be left empty, make sure you take steps to prevent burst pipes. Keep gutters clear and replace any damaged roof tiles.
• Finally, shop around. If you want to be sure you’re getting a good deal you need to shop around. You can either contact the insurance companies yourself or use an insurance broker to do this for you.

Top tip: An independent insurance broker like Easy2Insure is not tied to any insurance company. They’re free to scour the market for the best price on your behalf. Easy2Insure is part of the respected Park Insurance Group, one of the largest independent brokers in the UK. With significant buying power and established expertise, you can benefit from their knowledge and negotiating clout. For a free quote call, 0800 917 9522 or get a quote.

Finally, for more ideas on getting the best ROI on your holiday home, check out our 8 tips for decorating your holiday home blog.