Free Traffic Legal Advice

General discussion => The Flame Pit => Topic started by: Andrewc09 on November 12, 2025, 10:18:42 am

Title: Re: Accident in un-taxed car in UK
Post by: cp8759 on November 21, 2025, 10:56:10 pm
You insurance can't be void just because the car isn't taxed: it's an offence to be the keeper of a car that is taxed and uninsured, so by definition the insurance has to be bought first before you can buy the tax.
Title: Re: Accident in un-taxed car in UK
Post by: NewJudge on November 12, 2025, 05:21:53 pm
Yes, insurers cannot rely on policy conditions which did not alter their risk or contribute to an accident to deny cover.

Having no tax would have no bearing on a collision occurring. They might as well say they will not meet a claim because the driver was wearing a red jumper.
Title: Re: Accident in un-taxed car in UK
Post by: 666 on November 12, 2025, 12:41:31 pm
The FS Ombudsman has ruled previously that an insurer cannot deny a claim on the grounds that a vehicle did not have a valid MOT certificate. The lack of MOT did not in itself indicate that the vehicle was "unroadworthy", or caused or contributed to the accident.

I would expect the lack of tax to be treated similarly.

Should the OP's claim be rejected, he should seek relevant cases on the FSO's website and draw them to his insurer's attention.
Title: Re: Accident in un-taxed car in UK
Post by: JoCo on November 12, 2025, 11:19:23 am
Well the first thing to check is your policy.

Your insurance may still be valid without tax. But different providers have different rules.

Assuming your car is drivable, you'll need to get your car taxed pronto anyway, or declare it off road.
There is no official grace period any more. Do it online now.

Late payment fine is £80. But there's a good chance you wont get penalty at all. Worst case any penalty will be minimised. 

I've taxed cars late before - but within a month of due date - and had no follow up.  The DVLA, I'm sure, are more worried about habitual offenders etc.
Title: Accident in un-taxed car in UK
Post by: Andrewc09 on November 12, 2025, 10:18:42 am
I was involved in a accident this morning, not involving other cars just my own with some barriers. After filing a insurance claim I've realized that for the month I've had the car, it has been untaxed. I believe my insurance claim will be rejected now but wanted to know best way to proceed( tax car now or leave it), contact DVLA etc to limit the expected fines or other potential punishments. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer