MOTs and Extensions

[wildebus]

Been quite a bit of talk on MOTs and how the extension works, and some people have been given misleading information from people who they should be able to trust to be correct on this subject i.e. MOT inspectors!

This is my summary of how it works and what to expect for people with cars and Motor Caravans (including heavy Motor Caravans upto 7.5t GVW and registered as Private HGV (PHGV) )

ANY vehicle with a CURRENT class 4 MOT due between 31st March 2020 and 30th March 2021 will be granted a 6 month automatic FULL MOT extension (this applies also to vehicles that will also be due their FIRST MOT in that time period, where the date due for the first MOT required is extended by 6 months from the original due date).
That MOT extension is precisely that - an extension to the MOT and not some partial or limited rights MOT, but the full MOT extended by 6 months. It does not preclude the need to have the vehicle still in a roadworthy condition so nothing whatsoever has changed in the requirements other than the date.

If the vehicle requires an MOT AND the MOT was due before 31st of March and has expired, then this extension programme does not apply and an MOT must be carried out to use the vehicle legally on the road.

In terms of when you see the extension appear on the gov.uk MOT Checker site, I have been checking daily on my own vehicle, plus another, to see when the update occurs - and it would seem that it does not get updated with the extension period until the due date is less than 1 week away. For example, my MOT was due on Sat 16th May; that date was showing upto Sat 9th of May, but today (Sun 10th May), the due date is now 16th November.

I hope this may be of some use to people wondering how the MOT extension works.

PS. The above is true for the GB part of the UK. I don't know if NI have had a 6 month extension program applied as they have their own MOT Regulations.

 

[trevskoda]

You can only get in touch with the stations here in N I by email,the staff are working from home and all mail is directed there,it may take up to 3 weeks for a reply which will follow with a letter in post giving you a extension of 6 mths,all test stations are closed until further notice.
Here i see a problem as many older folk do not have a smart phone or a pc at home,so unless some one else sorts it for them there will be lots of cars on the rd with no legal cert.

 

[sparrks]

I got my van MOT'd on Monday, very quiet in the garage so easy to choose a time to suit. Whilst the MOT was being carried out I went shopping next door in Sainsburys.

 

[wildebus]

You can only get in touch with the stations here in N I by email,the staff are working from home and all mail is directed there,it may take up to 3 weeks for a reply which will follow with a letter in post giving you a extension of 6 mths,all test stations are closed until further notice.
Here i see a problem as many older folk do not have a smart phone or a pc at home,so unless some one else sorts it for them there will be lots of cars on the rd with no legal cert.

You would think it would be automatic and not done on request, wouldn't you? My OHs father has never used a computer in his life and certainly does not have an email address or a smartphone, so if in NI he would probably be in that situation.
And if you have a car that you want to get back on the road and so need an MOT, it is impossible to do that with the test stations closed?

I got my van MOT'd on Monday, very quiet in the garage so easy to choose a time to suit. Whilst the MOT was being carried out I went shopping next door in Sainsburys.

Yup, as most will be using the extension I bet they will have been glad of the work.
I was going to get my van MOTed this month of course before this extension, but actually having the date moved from May to November is perfect for me as it will now be due after the main 'season' is over so if anything is needed, it won't impact on any immediate plans.

 

[harrow]

You can only get in touch with the stations here in N I by email,the staff are working from home and all mail is directed there,it may take up to 3 weeks for a reply which will follow with a letter in post giving you a extension of 6 mths,all test stations are closed until further notice.
Here i see a problem as many older folk do not have a smart phone or a pc at home,so unless some one else sorts it for them there will be lots of cars on the rd with no legal cert.

Trev, lets hope they are still at home while the carry out your MOT

 

[trevskoda]

Yep i just got my letter stating your car now requires a test cert,but as normal they did not put any form of contact or how to go about it,just proves as many say that the irish are as thick as s--t,i shall just hang my head in dispair.

 

[The laird]

Don’t put yourselves doon trev it’s trying times mate,but now you say it

 

[carol]

Just checked online and it says my MOT, which was due in June is still due in June ... I thought it had a 6 month extension? Checked my car and that has the 6 month extension. Confused.

 

[wildebus]

Just checked online and it says my MOT, which was due in June is still due in June ... I thought it had a 6 month extension? Checked my car and that has the 6 month extension. Confused.

When was the car originally due its MOT?

 

[2cv]

Just checked online and it says my MOT, which was due in June is still due in June ... I thought it had a 6 month extension? Checked my car and that has the 6 month extension. Confused.

You will get the 6 month extension but they don't change the due date until very near to the original date.

 

[carol]

Thanks Bill, my mind is at rest!

 

[wildebus]

This was noted on the intial post, BTW.
"....it would seem that it does not get updated with the extension period until the due date is less than 1 week away"

 

[Carrerasax]

This goes on a bit but I think illustrates that you could be in trouble with a claim if a vehicle defect obviously caused an accident
Not as simple as automatic extension of MOT!!!
Black & white - springs to mind!!!

Covid-19 – Vehicle MOT Extensions

It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion between the Governments extensions of MOT's during the Covid-19 Pandemic and the validity of customers insurance policies.

Please see below some further information from the FCA & Various Mainstream UK Insurance Providers in respect of Motor Insurance Cover being provided whilst the insured vehicle is subject to the agreed MOT Extensions.

The general market response to the extension is that it is the drivers responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition at all times whilst being driven.

FCA - Financial Conduct Authority

Updated guidance on MOT's
The Department for Transport has released a statement(link is external) for consumers who have a car, motorcycle or small van MOT due in the next 6 months .
Given this additional guidance, we expect motor insurers to continue to provide cover for consumers’ car, motorcycle or van insurance due to their temporary situation, in line with Government policy of not being able to receive (and not needing) a new MOT certificate. This includes at renewal, to ensure customers are able to shop around for their insurance.

Liverpool Victoria – (LV Broker, Highway, ABC)

A customer is unable to obtain a valid MOT certificate, are they still covered?

Yes, the government has agreed an extended grace period for obtaining MOT certificates. Customers are still required to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition at all times.

AXA Insurance

I can’t arrange my car MOT because of coronavirus. Will my insurance be affected?
If your MOT is due up to and including the 29th March 2020
If you are not self-isolating, you need to book your MOT test at any open test centre. MOT centres and garages are still allowed to stay open. If you’re not self-isolating or classed as extremely vulnerable, you still need an MOT to make sure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
If you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus you should book an MOT test after your period of self-isolation is over.
If you are extremely vulnerable from coronavirus, you must not take your vehicle for its MOT. For people in this situation, the Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to make sure you are not unfairly penalised for not being able to get an MOT. We will keep this section updated when we know more.
If your MOT is due after the 30th March 2020
The government has announced that from Monday 30th March, it is granting a 6-month exemption from MOT testing for drivers whose MOT date falls within that time period. You can find more detailed information on the Government website. This will continue until confirmed otherwise.
You must keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition. Drivers can be prosecuted if they drive an unsafe vehicle.

Ageas Insurance

I can't get an MOT for my car, am I still insured?

Your MOT expiry date will be extended by six months if it is due on or after 30th March 2020. If you will be driving your vehicle, you must keep it safe to drive.

If your MOT dates meet the above criteria and your vehicle is otherwise safe to drive, this will not invalidate you insurance.

Please remember to get your MOT done in future when you are able to.

Markerstudy Group – Zenith Marque

Will cover remain in force if customers are unable to get an MOT during the lock-down period as garages are now closed?

Yes, MISL had already agreed for cover to remain without a valid MOT in place, as a direct result of COVID 19 from 16 March. The government have since taken this a step further and announced that from 30 March, all MOT certificates will be granted an automatic 6-month extension as along as vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition.

ERS

What happens if a policyholders MOT has expired?

Following the announcement by the Government on the 25th March in relation to the MOT tests expiring during the Pandemic the below clarifies our current position. Please note that it's the policyholder's responsibility to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.

Risk
Products
Resulting Action
Suspension of MOT's for Cars, Motorcycles and Light Vans
Private Car (and equivalents), Van, Motorcycles
Acceptable that vehicles due a MOT between 30th March – 30th September 2020 have not been completed.
No breach of policy condition.
Suspension of MOT's for Lorries, Buses and Trailers
Other Products
Acceptable that vehicles due a MOT between 21st March – 21st June 2020 have not been completed.
No breach of policy condition.

AVIVA

Is my insurance affected while MOT's are Suspended?

Your insurance isn't affected if you don't have a valid MOT. However, your vehicle should still be roadworthy during this time and you should get an MOT as soon as possible.

If your vehicle isn't roadworthy, you continue to drive it and there's clear evidence this directly caused a claim, it may affect the outcome of any payments made.

COVEA

MOT Extensions

The UK Government has confirmed that for cars, vans and motorcycles, the MOT expiry date will be extended by six months if it is due on or after 30th March 2020. The vehicle must still be roadworthy despite this. If you vehicle is roadworthy, it will be covered by the Policy under these provisions.

 

[wildebus]

This goes on a bit but I think illustrates that you could be in trouble with a claim if a vehicle defect obviously caused an accident
Not as simple as automatic extension of MOT!!!
Black & white - springs to mind!!!

Having an unroadworthy vehicle within the standard 12 month MOT duration is no different to having an unroadworthy vehicle in the extension period. If you got an brand new MOT and your vehicle became unroadworthy tomorrow, you would be just as liable as if it became unroadworthy in an MOT extension period.

it IS very simple and very black and white.

 

[Douglas R]

I decided to get my MOT done when it was due a week ago, after all, it is a year ago it was lasted examined. As it was sitting at home and could not go out in it. I thought best book it in and get it done now and not in cold wet November. So combined with a shopping trip.

Last year all was well but this year both front tyres had perishing cracks on the inside of the tyre wall. Really pleased that was found rather than a blow out on the road. I could never have seen them myself. Assume if I had had an accident caused by a perished tyre that would give me an insurance problem. Anyhow all now examined and ready to explore as and when we are allowed to.

 

[runnach]

I think the mot situation in Northern Ireland dates before covid19 a problem with the m ot ramps

 

[wildebus]

I've just had a full read of that post with the comments from the insurance companies.

Now seriously and without exception, every one of those companies as quoted has provided either misleading or plain incorrect information. If that is the typical quality standard of information they base their operations on, God help us!