How To Stop The Lockdown From Driving You Crazy

With the nation in lockdown, millions of car owners will be gazing at the motor on their driveway wondering why they are paying insurance, road tax and even leasing bills for a costly hunk of metal they cannot use.

- Harvey Jones

Now that we are only supposed to go outside for food, health reasons or essential work that cannot be done at home, our cars are getting minimal use but still need looking after.

The Government has worked to make the lockdown easier, by announcing a six-month extension for MOT certificates due on cars, vans and motorcycles from March 30.

Your motor insurance policy will cover you as before, provided you keep your car in a roadworthy condition, and you could be prosecuted as normal too, if caught driving an unsafe vehicle.

The Association of British Insurers said NHS Volunteer Responders who use their car in helping others do not need to inform their insurer, but will be covered.

NO-GO ZONE

GoCompare chief executive Lee Griffin said roadside assistance companies still operate in case of breakdown, but check what level of service yours currently offers.

Legally, if your car is on the road, even if it is parked-up, it must be insured. “Car insurance is a bill you should continue to prioritise,” he said.

Many will be frustrated at having to pay insurance and road tax for something they cannot use, especially if they have lost their income. To stop paying, you must make a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN), or risk an £80 fine for having an uninsured car.