Does Car Warranty Cover MOT Test: MOT Test Cover And Complete Guide

For UK drivers, it is essential to know what is included in your car warranty and this holds true if you're planning to have your car undergo the annual MOT test. While an extended car warranty covers you against mechanical or electrical failure, its coverage concerning MOT tests can be a bit more complex. However, it should be noted that regular car warranties do not cover the cost of the MOT test itself, but certain guarantees do include benefits for repair costs if your car fails the MOT test. This can consist of parts that make it easier to maintain in roadworthy conditions without spending extra labour costs. Understanding these details of your car warranty and what it covers will help you keep prepared and potentially save money when it's time for your MOT Test.

Key Facts about the MOT Test

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a mandated annual assessment for UK cars to verify they meet road safety and environmental regulations. Here are some essential facts regarding the MOT test:

• MOT Introduced: The MOT test was first introduced in 1960 for checking the brakes, lights, and steering. It evolved to include a diverse variety of vehicle components.
• Testing Age: New vehicles MOT must be done after three years buying (or four years old in Northern Ireland), and then annually thereafter.
• MOT Test Centers: MOT testing is performed at licensed test facilities around the UK, which are identified by an official blue sign with three white triangles, like mentioned below.

• Components Checked: The MOT test cover includes numerous checks on multiple parts of the vehicle and below is a list of few parts:

  → Brakes

  → Fuel system

  → Lights

  → Mirrors

  → Seatbelts

  → Windscreen wipers

  → Exhaust system

• Exclusions: It is vital to note that the MOT test does not evaluate the engine's performance, clutch, or gearbox.
• Finding a Test Center: To discover your nearest approved MOT test facility, visit the following websites and book a MOT Test Online:

  → England, Wales, and Scotland: MOT Active Stations in UK

  → Northern Ireland: NIDirect

Passing the MOT test is critical to vehicle safety and environmental compliance. It is a legal requirement and a vital part of responsible vehicle ownership.

New MOT Test Changes

On May 20, 2018, major changes were made to the MOT test, affecting several vehicle evaluation aspects evaluation. The improvements were intended to increase road safety and cut pollution. The five major modifications that went into effect were:

The MOT test has been revised with significant changes:

To understand these changes and their potential impact on your vehicle, please visit our comprehensive blog post about the New MOT Test Changes in 2018.

How Much Does an MOT Cost?

The cost of an MOT can vary depending on where you take your vehicle for the test. Generally, the maximum fee for an MOT for a car in the UK is capped at £54.85, while for a standard motorcycle, it's £29.65.

Check out the official page to understand the MOT Test Fees.

You can also combine the MOT with a full car service. However, getting both a service and an MOT is likely to cost more than just getting an MOT.

How Long Does an MOT Take?

A MOT test normally takes between 45 minutes to an hour, if your car breaks and needs repairs, the procedure may take longer. Some garages may allow you to wait while the test is performed, but it is generally advised that you drop off your vehicle and return later. An appointment in advance might help reduce your waiting time.

Reasons for MOT Test Failure

According to statistics, 38% of all MOT tests are successfully completed on the first attempt. While this percentage may appear to be high, many failures are caused by trivial faults that owners may simply resolve prior to testing. Avoiding typical hazards will help you pass your MOT on the first time. Below are a few common reasons for your car to fail the MOT Test.

• Unfilled Screen Wash: Take a few minutes to make sure your screen wash is full to prevent failing your MOT for this easy cause.
• Dirty or Cluttered Car: Clean the inside and outside of your vehicle to keep mildew, filth, and stains from creating an unavoidable MOT failure. Before the test, clear the trunk and cabin of any clutter and immediately wipe off the glass and mirrors.
• Registration Plate Issues: Make sure your registration plate fits DVLA regulations for typeface, kerning, cleanliness, and visibility. If you have a customized plate, check to be sure it follows all laws.
• Windshield Stickers: Avoid putting anything on the windshield that will block the driver's vision, such as parking permits. Place stickers in spots that will not interfere with wiper movement or obscure the driver's visibility.
• Caution Lights: Since 2012, the MOT check has featured illuminated caution lights on the dashboard. Familiarize yourself with the meanings of your car's warning lights and rectify any faults that might result in a MOT failure.

Checklist to Help Your Car Pass its MOT

As the MOT test approaches, it is critical to ensure that your vehicle is in top shape. A little planning may go a long way towards ensuring your car passes its MOT with no issues. Here are some essential checks to get you started:

• Lights and Signals: Check that all lights, including indicators, brake lights and headlights, are functioning correctly.
• Brakes: Look for any strange noises or changes in braking performance. Make sure your brake pads aren't worn out.
• Tyres: Check the tyre pressure is another important aspect to pass MOT. Make certain there are no cracks or bulges.
• Wipers and Washer Fluid: Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and the washer fluid reservoir is full.
• Seatbelts: Ensure that all seatbelts are properly functional and show no indications of wear and tear.
• Exhaust System: Check for leaks or strange noises coming from the exhaust system.

For a complete checklist and more detailed tips, check out our blog on New Cars MOT - Everything You Need to Know

What If My Car's MOT Fails?

If the car fails its MOT, you will obtain the 'refusal of a MOT test certificate' describing the reasons for the failure. You cannot lawfully drive your car without a valid MOT, save for repairs or a scheduled retest. It is critical to remedy the issues identified in the failure report as soon as possible to keep your vehicle roadworthy and in compliance with UK rules.

MOT Re-Test

If your vehicle fails its MOT, you can get a free MOT retest at the same test centre within 10 working days after completing the required repairs. During this grace period, you can have your vehicle repaired without facing extra MOT fees. However, if it takes more than 10 working days or if you opt for a different test centre for the retest, you may have to pay the full MOT fee again.

What to do If Your MOT Has Expired?

Driving a car without a valid MOT certificate is prohibited and can result in penalties, penalty points on your license, and insurance cancelled. If your MOT has expired, you should arrange a MOT test right away. You are permitted to drive your car to the test facility for a pre-booked MOT appointment, but you must proceed directly there and nowhere else to avoid fines.

What to do If You Lost Your MOT Certificate?

If you lose your MOT certificate, you may get a replacement from any MOT centre. You will need to supply your vehicle's registration number and the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook or the original MOT test number. Replacement certificates cost £10. Remember, retaining a copy of your MOT certificate is crucial for verifying your vehicle's roadworthiness and future sales.

Warranty Direct's MOT Test Insurance

An MOT test failure can be unpleasant but Warranty Direct has a method to alleviate this strain. Warranty Direct's MOT Test Insurance is intended to cover the costs connected with getting your vehicle back on the road.

What is Covered?

In the case of a MOT failure, Warranty Direct's MOT Test Insurance will cover the necessary replacement parts and fittings to pass the test. This includes key components like:

Lighting Equipment

• Headlights (excluding Xenon lights and bulbs)
• Front and rear side lights
• Number plate illumination light
• Stop light
• Rear reflectors
• Rear fog light
• Hazard warning lights and controls
• Direction indicator control
• Fog light on/off indicator

Suspension and Steering

• Steering control
• Steering mechanism and system
• Power steering
• Transmission shafts
• Wheel bearings
• Front and rear suspension
• Drag links
• Track rod ends
• Steering control
• Suspension springs
• Wishbones
• Swivel joints
• Suspension mountings

Brakes

• Master cylinder
• Wheel cylinders
• Brake callipers
• Discs/drums (excluding wear)
• Load compensator valve
• ABS modulator | sensors | ECU
• Brake pipes/hoses/cables (excluding corroded pipes)

General Components

• Fuel injection ECU or sensor replacement required because of calibration failure to meet MOT exhaust gas emission standards
• Horn
• Speedometer and speed limiter
• Windscreen wipers and washers (excluding wiper blades and rubbers)
• Seat Belts (condition and operation)

How Warranty Direct's MOT Test Insurance Works?

If your car fails its MOT, Warranty Direct's MOT Test Insurance allows you to claim the cost of the necessary repairs. You only need to pay the first £25.00 of each claim. This insurance helps to manage unexpected expenses from an MOT failure, ensuring your car remains roadworthy without straining your budget.

For more detailed information about MOT test cover and to understand the full terms and conditions, visit Warranty Direct's MOT Guide and drive confidently, knowing you're protected against unexpected MOT failure costs.