In the UK, any car that is more than three years old must undergo an annual MOT to check its roadworthiness. Generally, all car insurance policies have a clause that requires you to keep the vehicle in roadworthy condition. Failing to have a valid MOT means you have breached this clause, and your insurance will be invalidated. That means if you have an accident you will not be able to claim repairs or replacement. Much more seriously, it also means you can face fines and even court proceedings for driving without valid car insurance.

Is it ever okay to drive without a valid MOT?

The only time when you can drive without an MOT is if you are making your way to or from a pre-booked MOT appointment. Driving at any other time without a valid MOT is an offence.

What are the penalties for driving without an MOT?

As well as the fines and penalty points you’ll receive for driving without insurance, you may be penalised for not having an MOT.

If you don’t have a valid MOT certificate and you drive on the public road you will commit an offence under Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. You can be fined £1,000 and receive between six to eight penalty points on your licence.

Check if your car has a valid MOT for peace of mind

If you can’t find your paper documents and you’re not sure if your car or van has a valid MOT, you can check it here. It’s free to check if your vehicle has an MOT and all you need is your vehicle registration number.

Check if your car is insured

If you’re not sure if your vehicle is insured, you can check it for free using the ask Motor Insurance Database (askMID) numberplate database.

Tips for finding cheaper car insurance

If you’re still reeling from the renewal cost for your car insurance follow our five-step plan to find more affordable car insurance.

1)   Never simply renew your car insurance.

In most cases staying loyal to the same insurance company doesn’t reward you financially. Never simply renew your insurance policy. Instead shop around to find the best price deal or use an independent insurance company to do this for you. Price comparison websites can be an excellent place to start, but remember that not all insurance companies advertise on these and always check the small print very carefully.

2)   Increase your excess.

The excess is the amount you automatically pay if you make a claim. Generally the higher the excess that you choose, the lower your premium. Just make sure you don’t set your excess so high that it becomes unaffordable for you.

3)   Consider a telematics policy.

If you are a safe driver, opting for a telematics policy could reward you with cheaper premiums. A ‘black box’ will be fitted to your car and reports back on your driving style. If you drive safely, your premiums are lowered. But it works both ways, and if you are considered to be driving more riskily, your premiums will go up. Things like sudden braking, speeding, and driving at night time can all push your premiums up.

4)   Opt for a limited mileage policy.

If you cover less than 10,000 miles a year a limited mileage policy can save you cash. Insurance is based on risk, and the less you drive, the less likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. But don’t limit your mileage if you cover many more miles than that. If you have an accident, your insurance company will discover that you have done more miles than you said and your insurance could be void.

5)   Double check what you’re getting for your money.

The cheapest deal isn’t always the best deal. Always check the small print before you buy your insurance to make sure it covers you for everything you need. This is especially important if you buy your car insurance through an online comparison site, as the results returned won’t always include everything you specified initially. If you don’t double check but leave this to chance, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket in the long-run.

It’s Easy2Insure your car

You’ll find our friendly team at Easy2Insure helpful and knowledgeable. Fill in a simple form online or give us a call and we’ll do the rest for you. We’ll search insurance companies large and small to find you insurance that matches your needs and budget. We’ll guide you on if a limited mileage or telematics policy could be right for you. And we’ll explain what cover you’re getting, so there will be no nasty surprises lurking in the small print.

Call us on 0800 9179522 or get in touch.

According to MoneySupermarket.com having one to three penalty points on your licence will increase the average car insurance premium by £25 a year. But if you’ve been snapped speeding or caught for other motoring offences and racked up more than three points you’re likely to see a stiff hike in costs. We explain how your penalty points will affect your car insurance price and share how to get a better price quote.

Why do penalty points on my licence increase the cost of car insurance?

You get penalty points for riskier driving, such as speeding or using your mobile phone. The more penalty points you’ve clocked up, the higher a risk you pose to insurance companies. Because you’re considered a riskier driver, you’ll be charged higher premiums than if you had no points on your licence.

How do I find cheap car insurance if I have penalty points?

The four main tips to get the best price on car insurance are the same whether you have penalty points on your licence or not:

• Don’t just accept your renewal quote. Shop around or use an independent insurance broker like Easy2Insure to do the legwork for you.
• If you cover a lower than average mileage each year, make sure you tell your insurance broker. Fewer miles travelled means a lower risk of having an accident, and that translates to lower premiums.
• Consider increasing your excess. This is the amount you’ll automatically pay if you make a claim. Generally, the higher your excess, the lower your premium will be. Just make sure you keep it affordable for you.
• Pay your insurance annually if you can. If you opt to pay monthly for car insurance, you’ll end up paying much more than if you pay in one go. Some insurance companies will charge up to 20% extra for monthly payment plans. So if your basic premium is £500 a year, you’ll end up paying around £600 to pay in monthly instalments.

Another great tip to reduce your car insurance premiums when you have penalty points is to get personal. When you fill in a form online, a computer crunches the numbers to arrive at your premium. If you call an insurance broker that specialises in sourcing insurance for people with penalty points you can discuss your situation. You can explain exactly how you got your points and any steps you have now taken to prevent the same thing happening again. Your insurance broker can then assess what risk you pose and may be able to negotiate a better deal than a computer.

Do I need to declare penalty points when applying for car insurance?

Yes. When you apply for car insurance, you must declare any points on your licence. If you don’t your car insurance will be invalid. That means any claim you make will be rejected, leaving you out of pocket. You can also be fined for failing to have correct insurance, which will also add to the penalty points on your licence.

Remember that you only need to declare ‘unspent’ points. Generally, motoring offences and penalty points will remain on your licence for between four to 11 years. The length of time depends on the offence. If you’re not sure, you can find out how long your offence must be declared by looking at www.gov.uk

How to check if your penalty points are spent

Time flies, and it can be easy to forget exactly how long ago it was that you received penalty points. If you don’t know if you have penalty points that are currently live on your licence, you can check it for free here.

It’s important to do this because you must always declare any penalty points that are current. But if your penalty points are spent, you won’t want to continue paying the extra on your insurance.

It’s Easy2 get a quote for car insurance

Whether you’ve got no points or 11 points on your licence, it’s quick and Easy2Insure your car with us. It’s free to ask for a quote, and you’re under no obligation to proceed. We’re an independent insurance broker, so we’re free to shop around insurance companies large and small to find you the best price deal. We can even negotiate on your behalf to secure prices that are cheaper than you’d find on the high street. Call us on 0800 9179522 or get in touch.

Hiring out your classic car can be a great way to get a little extra income from your passion. It can help pay for your maintenance bills. And it can help you to justify keeping your prized possession. But there are some key considerations, like the implications on your classic car insurance to think about. Here’s our Easy2understand guide to what you need to know.

Ways to hire out your classic car

There are two main hiring options to consider if you want to make some extra cash from your classic car.

1) Using your classic car as a private hire vehicle

The first type of hire you may consider for your classic is where you’re driving and taking paying passenger(s). For example, you’re using your classic Rolls Royce for a wedding.

The wedding market is lucrative, and vintage vehicles can command big fees. For example, Bridebook recommends that the happy couple budget £395 if they want the use of a classic Bentley for three hours.

Bear in mind: If you do decide to hire your classic car as a wedding, or any other event, vehicle, you’ll need to apply to your local council for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence (PHV licence). You’ll need this licence even if you only hire your vehicle once a year.

2) Hiring out your classic vehicle for others to use

The second way of hiring out your classic car is to paying customers who will drive your vehicle on the road for a set period of time. This is attractive to people who like the idea of having a classic car but don’t, or can’t, go the whole way and buy one. These ‘experience’ days can be especially popular with people looking for a more unusual weekend break or honeymoon. And there are lots of classic and vintage car hire companies out there that you can use to hire out your classic.

You may also want to consider hiring out your vehicle for use on photo-shoots or film and TV sets. Again, there are agencies that specialise in sourcing vehicles of all ages and makes for film. Be wary of any company that charges a fee just to register – there is no guarantee that your vehicle will be used, so you could be out of pocket. Look for a reputable company that pays a good fee and will ensure comprehensive insurance is provided whilst your vehicle is being used on set. Don’t forget to check things like agreed value or modifications are included.

Bear in mind: If your car is in Concours condition or you would be upset if it got the old scratch, then hiring it out to others may not be the best option for you.

Insuring your classic car for hire

If you’re planning on hiring out your classic car and taking paying passengers, you’ll need ‘hire and reward’ car insurance. This is specifically designed for anyone who takes payment in return for taking passengers. If you have a classic, it’s likely that you won’t be using your car for hire and reward every day. That means that standard hire and reward insurance may not be the best value for you. Instead, speak to a specialist classic car broker like Easy2Insure. We can look at all your options and how you intend to use your vehicle. That way, we can tailor your policy to meet your specific needs at the best value price possible.

Insuring imported classics for hire

If you’ve got a left-hand drive classic, like a Chevy or a Plymouth, that you want to hire out, you’ll need specialist insurance. Easy2Insure can cover imports and all ages and specifications for your peace of mind.

It’s Easy2Insure your classic car

Making money from your motor can be relatively straightforward. But you need the right insurance, or you could find your money-spinning idea costs you more in the long run.

At Easy2Insure we understand that your classic car needs more than just standard insurance. Whether you plan to hire it out or not, we offer competitive quotes that give you real peace of mind. As an independent insurance broker, we are free to shop around to find you the best price without compromising on the level of cover. This includes:

• Flexible limited mileage options
• Modifications
• Agreed value cover options
• Modifications covered on a like for like basis
• Uninsured loss recovery for non-fault claims
• Legal cover up to £50,000
• Left-hand drive models

We can also help you to keep the costs of insurance down with:

• Second car insurance policies
• Multi-car insurance policies for collectors
• Security discounts
• Club member discounts

Call our friendly team on 0800 917 9522 or get a classic car insurance quote today.

Winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK. However, if you’re heading for the Austrian slopes in your car, be aware that in Austria winter tyres are mandatory in the winter months. You’ll face a hefty 5000 EURO fine if you’re stopped driving without them.

4) Check your battery

Cold weather can affect your battery. If your battery is getting old and starting to fail, that could mean the difference between your car starting or not. Avoid turning up to work or school late by checking your battery and replacing it if necessary.

5) Add antifreeze

Anti-freeze can be added to your vehicles cooling system to stop it from freezing when the temperatures plummet. You can buy it in concentrated form or ready-mixed with water. If your car was made before 1998, it’s likely you’ll need an anti-freeze that contains silicates. If it was made after that date, it’s likely you’ll need one without silicates using Organic Acid Technology (OAT) instead. Check your user manual. Make sure your engine is topped up, especially as the cooler months approach.

6) Be prepared

If you do break down in the winter, you’ll be glad you were prepared. Put together an emergency kit, which you keep in your boot, just in case. It could include:

• A torch, to give you light if something happens after dark.
• A hazard warning triangle, to notify other drivers that your car has stopped.
• A high-vis vest, so you’ll show up if you do need to get out of your car when it’s dark.
• A drink and some food, in case you get stranded for some time. For example, due to a sudden snowstorm.
• A shovel, so you can dig yourself out if you are stuck in the snow.
• Warm clothes or a blanket. If you need to get out of your car on a cold winters day or night, you’ll quickly feel the chill, so keep a warm coat handy in the boot. A blanket can also be useful, especially if you are forced to spend the night in your car.

It’s also wise to keep your mobile phone, and a battery charger, handy.

7) Beef up your breakdown cover

Is your breakdown cover up to date? Does it include homestart? Will it take you home if your car can’t be fixed on the roadside? If you’re driving this winter, you can buy extra peace of mind with comprehensive breakdown cover. This is often available at a discounted rate if you purchase it at the same time as your car insurance. Speak to your broker for more details.

8) It’s Easy2Insure your car this winter

If the worst does happen and you crash on black ice or your engine is destroyed when you drive through a flood in the road, you’ll want to know your insurance covers you. Speak to our friendly team at Easy2Insure for cover you can count on at a great price. Call us today on 0800 917 9522 or get a free quote now.