Why Car Insurance and Road Tax Are Essential

Car Insurance: A Legal Requirement

By law, all vehicles in the UK must have at least third-party insurance to drive on public roads. This protects other road users if you cause damage or injury in an accident.

Driving without insurance can result in:

• A fixed penalty fine of £300.

• Six penalty points on your driving licence.

• Your car being seized or crushed by the police.

Car Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty – VED)

All cars (unless exempt) must be taxed before being driven or parked on public roads. The amount you pay depends on factors such as:

• CO2 emissions for newer vehicles.

• Engine size for older cars.

Driving an untaxed vehicle can lead to:

• A £1,000 fine or even court action.

• Your car being clamped or impounded by the DVLA.

To avoid fines, it’s crucial to check your car’s tax and insurance regularly.

How to Check If Your Car is Insured

The quickest way to check if your car has valid insurance is by using the Motor Insurance Database (MID).

Steps to check car insurance status:

• Visit the AskMID website (www.askmid.com).

• Enter your vehicle registration number.

• The system will confirm if your car is insured or uninsured.

If your car is listed as uninsured but you believe you have valid insurance:

• Contact your insurance provider to ensure your details are up to date.

• Check if your policy has expired or been cancelled due to missed payments.

How to Check If Your Car is Taxed

To check your car tax status, use the DVLA online checker.

Steps to check car tax status:

• Go to the DVLA vehicle tax checker (www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax).

• Enter your registration number.

• The system will show your tax expiry date and renewal status.

If your vehicle is untaxed, you can:

• Pay online immediately via the DVLA website.

• Set up a Direct Debit for automatic renewals.

What to Do If Your Car is Uninsured or Untaxed

If your car is uninsured:

• Renew your policy immediately or find a new insurer.

• If you don’t drive the car, apply for a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) to avoid penalties.

If your car is untaxed:

• Pay the outstanding tax immediately to avoid fines.

• If you no longer use the vehicle, register it as SORN to avoid unnecessary tax charges.

Failing to act can result in fines, legal action, or your car being seized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Your Car is Automatically Insured

• Some drivers assume that dealerships or finance companies arrange insurance, but this is rarely the case.

• Always double-check your policy start date when buying a new car.

2. Forgetting to Renew Road Tax

• Road tax reminders are sent via post or email, but missing them can result in fines.

• Set up a Direct Debit with the DVLA to ensure automatic payments.

3. Not Updating Insurance or Tax Details When Moving Home

• If you move to a new address, notify the DVLA and your insurer to avoid issues with your policy or tax status.

How RoadXpert Can Help

At RoadXpert, we provide:

• Guidance on car insurance and tax requirements.

• Assistance in finding the best insurance deals.

• Car finance and leasing options to help you get a new vehicle legally and affordably.

Whether you need help checking your vehicle’s status or securing affordable insurance, our team is here to assist. Visit www.roadxpert.com for expert advice on car ownership and compliance.