Getting a new car isn’t as simple as getting the keys. It comes with important responsibilities that fall on you as the owner and driver of the vehicle.
To avoid fines or points on your driving license, keep reading and make sure you tick all the boxes in this car ownership checklist.
1. Car Insurance
A legal requirement for every driver and vehicle is car insurance, which protects you in case of accidents, theft, or damage. Choosing the right level of coverage is essential, whether it’s third-party, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive insurance, so you’re prepared for unexpected events on the road.
Insurance can be paid monthly or annually, but most policies last for 12 months, so it’s important to set a reminder to renew on time and stay fully protected.
What if I don’t have car insurance?
Driving without at least third-party insurance is illegal and can have serious consequences. Even if the vehicle is insured, you must ensure that you are properly covered to drive it, and that your policy reflects the intended use of the vehicle, such as for business purposes.
If you are caught without insurance, you could face a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your licence. In court, penalties could include an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving.
Additionally, police have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy, a vehicle being driven without insurance. Maintaining the correct coverage is essential to remain compliant and protected on the road.
2. MOT
An MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles once they are over three years old. If your car is less than three years old, it does not need an MOT. After this point, the test must be carried out annually to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set for vehicles on UK roads.
Did you know you can check the current status of your MOT and previous MOT history from 2005?
What happens if I don’t have a valid MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal if your vehicle is more than three years old. If you’re caught driving without one, you could receive a fixed penalty fine of up to £1,000 and may have your licence endorsed with three penalty points. Authorities can also identify vehicles without a valid MOT through systems such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
In more serious cases, the police may seize your vehicle if it is considered unroadworthy or dangerous. Driving without a valid MOT may also invalidate your insurance, meaning you could be held personally responsible for any damage or injuries caused in the event of an accident. The only exception is if you are driving to or from a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
What happens at an MOT test?
An MOT test is an annual inspection that checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required to be driven on UK roads. The test is carried out at authorised garages or car dealerships by qualified technicians, who will inspect key components such as the brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, and emissions. If your vehicle meets the required standards, it will receive an MOT certificate valid for 12 months. If issues are identified, the vehicle may fail or receive advisory notes highlighting areas that may need attention.
3. Car Tax
Car tax, also known as vehicle excise duty (VED), is a legal requirement for all vehicles used or kept on public roads. Paying car tax ensures that your vehicle is compliant with UK law and helps fund the maintenance of roads, transport infrastructure, and public services. The amount you pay depends on factors such as your vehicle’s emissions, engine size, and fuel type.
Before taxing your vehicle, you must ensure it is correctly registered in your name with the DVLA. The V5C registration certificate (logbook) proves ownership and must be updated whenever a vehicle is sold, bought, or transferred. This also applies if you have a private or personalised registration plate, which must be formally assigned and recorded with the DVLA to remain legal. Keeping your registration details up to date ensures your car tax, MOT, and insurance records are correctly linked to your vehicle.
Car tax can usually be paid annually or monthly, and it’s important to set reminders for renewal to avoid fines or enforcement action. Authorities also use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to quickly identify untaxed vehicles, making it easier than ever to detect vehicles that are not properly taxed.
Did you know you can check if your vehicle has valid car tax?
What if my vehicle isn’t taxed?
If your vehicle isn’t taxed and is kept or used on a public road, you could face enforcement action and financial penalties. The DVLA can issue an automatic £80 fine (reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days). If the penalty is ignored, this can lead to further fines of up to £1,000, along with the requirement to pay any outstanding tax. The DVLA also has the authority to clamp or remove a vehicle parked on a public road if it is untaxed.
In addition, both the police and DVLA have the power to seize a vehicle if it has been driven or parked on a public road and is untaxed for two months and one day or longer.
4. Servicing
While servicing isn’t a legal requirement, it is essential for keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient. A regular service involves inspecting, maintaining, and replacing parts as needed to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Servicing is carried out at authorised garages or car dealerships by qualified technicians. Many dealerships and garages also offer servicing plans, which allow you to spread the cost of routine maintenance over monthly payments, making it easier to stay on top of your vehicle’s care. It’s recommended to have at least one service every year. Setting a recurring reminder in your calendar can help ensure you never miss a routine 12-month service. Alternatively, you can track your mileage, as it’s also recommended to have your car serviced every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Different types of services are available depending on your vehicle’s age, mileage, and manufacturer recommendations:
- Interim Service: A lighter service, usually carried out every 6 months or 6,000 miles, focusing on essential checks such as oil levels, brakes, lights, and tyre condition.
- Full Service: A comprehensive inspection, typically done annually or every 12,000 miles, covering all major components, including engine, brakes, suspension, fluids, and safety systems.
- Major Service: A more detailed service recommended at higher mileages, often including replacement of parts such as spark plugs, filters, and belts, in addition to all checks from a full service.
Choosing the right type of service helps maintain your car’s performance, reliability, and safety.
What if I don’t service my vehicle?
Neglecting regular servicing can lead to reduced performance, higher fuel consumption, and an increased risk of mechanical failure. It may also affect your warranty and could impact insurance claims if an accident occurs and poor maintenance is a factor. Keeping up with your vehicle’s servicing schedule is key to safety and reliability.
At JCT600, we have loads of new and used cars in stock, but whether you’re buying a new vehicle or already own one, it’s important to stay on top of your responsibilities as a vehicle owner. Doing so will help ensure many safe, enjoyable miles with peace of mind and no unnecessary stress.