Legal mirror requirements and low mileage car insurance

Unfortunately, cars which are covered by low mileage car insurance are still prone to suffering vehicle damage on the road, and occasionally a motor car can become damaged when the driver isn't even using it.

Many drivers don't have a garage or drive-way in front of their house, so a large number of UK motorists have to park their car on the side of the road. This may mean that due to the reckless driving of another road user or the driver of a large vehicle attempting to squeeze through unsuccessfully, a low mileage driver may come back to their car to find that it has lost a wing mirror.

Not only can this be very frustrating, since the motorist will either have to lose their no claims bonus by getting their car repaired on their car insurance or pay for the damage themselves, but it may mean that, depending on which wing mirror is missing, the driver will be breaking the law when they next get behind the wheel.

According to the Construction and Use Regulations, 1986, all vehicles must have at least two mirrors unless they were first used before the 1st of August 1978 (in which case one is sufficient).

If the rear-view mirror is obscured then a vehicle first used after the 1st of August 1978 must have both of its side mirrors intact. Failing that, the vehicle must have an undamaged rear-view mirror in place, and a working driver's wing mirror also. Mirrors which are intact must also be in a position which makes the road behind visible to the motorist.

A motorist will be in danger of being stopped by police if they have no driver's side mirror, as well as being at a higher risk of suffering personal injury in a crash or causing someone else harm due to having restricted view of their surroundings. A car without a driver's side mirror will also fail an MOT.

If a vehicle has had its passenger side mirror broken off or its glass smashed in a way which makes it impossible to use, then a motorist can still legally drive the car without it. However, hazards may be difficult to see so it is not advisable to drive.

Low mileage car insurance from insurethebox
Some car cover companies will charge motorists similar amounts of money on their yearly premium, whether they use their car for long journeys every day or only occasionally take their car to do the weekly food shop. Our insurance is made especially for low mileage drivers and could save you money if you fall into that category.

To see if we could be saving you money on your cover, simply phone us on 0333 123 1308 to discuss receiving low mileage car insurance, or click on the get a quote button to get started straight away.