The telematics insurance provider outlines the details of the extension and what it means for motorists
Following the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) decision to issue a six-month exemption period for MOTs that expire after 30 March[i], insurethebox is helping its customers make sure their vehicles remain safe during this time.
While the government has allowed garages to remain open, social distancing advises against such appointments. As a result, insurethebox is reminding drivers that it is their responsibility to keep their vehicles in good working order. Motorists can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving, and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition[ii].
Gary Stewart, Service Manager at insurethebox said: “In line with government guidance, our recommendation during the pandemic is to stay at home where possible and reduce interactions with other people. However, we know that there are many people who will still need to travel for essential journeys. For those drivers it’s critical that their vehicles remain safe and roadworthy.”
The government has given advice on routine checks that should always be carried out but are even more important during the pandemic, particularly as many people will only be using their car very occasionally.
Every time you drive you should check[iii]:
- The windscreen, windows, and mirrors are clean
- All lights work
- The brakes work
Vehicle handbooks will inform on when to check[iv]:
- Engine oil
- Water level in the radiator or expansion tank
- Brake fluid level
- Battery
- Windscreen washer fluid level
- Tyre tread
- Cars, light vans, and trailers must have 1.6mm
- Motorcycles, large vehicles, and passenger carrying vehicles must have 1mm
- Mopeds only need to have visible tread
Following the government guidelines might also mean that cars will stay completely unused for many weeks or months. As a result, the battery life of the black box could be affected.
insurethebox advises customers to start their car for at least 10 minutes once a week to help stop the battery from being depleted. It may be wise to buy a maintenance charger, if it is certain that the car won’t be driven.
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
insurethebox
Insure The Box Limited launched in June 2010 with its first product, insurethebox, and now holds over 5 billion miles of driving data and associated claims. As well as insurethebox and drive like a girl (another Insure The Box brand) it also administers other telematics offerings. Insurethebox is owned by Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited, part of the major Japanese insurance group MS&AD Holdings, Inc. The group is taking a leading role in the development of technologies that will change the face of motor insurance and the way we view the car.
[i] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020
[ii] https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe