MOT expired - still insured?

Biker-Budgie

i crashed my car into another yesterday, my fault entirely. i gathered my papers today to notify my insurance company and my MOT expired a week ago :eek:.

Ive never been in this position before, for some reason i have it in my diary that the MOT was up in May not april - totall balls up on my part.

im insured with Ecar and havent rang them yet as im seriously terrified, ive never knowingly driven or riden without my paperwork in order in my life - does anyone have any idea what sort of trouble i may or may not be in? im insured TPFT , the other vehicle driver has already contacted their insurance (called her this morning and offered to pay for the repairwork privately) yesterday but i didnt mention the expired MOT. I cant find a full list of terms and conditions of insurance anywhere either, i have a certificate of insurance and a 'motor policy schedule' and that doesnt mention MOT certificates anywhere.

minimum penalty for no insurance is 6 points and a fine as i understand it but i cant find anything to say if the insurance would be void by an expired MOT.

feeling pretty stupid and scared so any advice folks?

Kingsd316

I think the answers you are going to get are not what you want to here, on my policy, (With Elephant.co.uk) it states in the T&C that the policy is only valid with a current and upto date MOT (Required for Vehicles Over 3 years old)

i found this on Elephants website about exclusions,

10. I n any case where the Insured Person
does not possess a valid Motor
Insurance Policy, valid road fund
licence or MOT for the Insured Vehicle or a valid driving licence.

Although ive just done a bit of digging and it all depends on your insurances companys T&C, not all of them are the same

vikingaero

The companies that explicit state that a MOT is required are very much in the minority. No MOT is generally not a problem in a claim (as long as your vehicle is otherwise roadworthy. The only effect it may have (if the company doesn't exclude it) is to slightly reduce the pay out in the event of total loss.

MX5huggy

From you policy wording here http://www.ecarinsurance.co.uk/common/policydocs/car/eCar_Policy_Documents.pdf

Page 12 point 3 says "Your Car must be covered by a valid Department of Transport Test (MOT) Certificate if You need one by law."

But in actual fact I think they would have trouble not paying out to third parties which afterall is all they will do in this case.

benjus

This topic has come up a lot. The following posts by a user who works in the insurance industry (or at least claims to...) may be useful:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=13311485&postcount=24

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=17083821&postcount=27

Biker-Budgie

thanks all, feel slightly better now - quite a mess ive gotten myself into.

the 2 factors i had concerns about were #1 the other party getting paid out which it would apear they will be. #2 is if any criminal proceedings could be bought against me.

number 2 could be exceedingly embarrasing for my wife as she works for the local magistrate court.

mchale

best plan of action would be to take your car (if its driveable) to a garage and get it mot'ed, and then send all paperwork to ins company explaining what happened re: expired mot, but as they can see from new mot it is road worthy

Hintza

How much is the bill likely to be? Split it down damage to yours and damage to 3rd party's car.