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Original poster

Car write-off. DH worried about MOT.

31 replies

WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 21:50

DH was involved in a car accident last week - the other driver admitted complete liability, so all OK on that front.

DH's insurance company has been amazing - very efficient. They've contacted him now to state that his car has been written off unfortunately, and that they will be sending him the cost of the car, pending some documents.

Here cometh the problem - DH admitted to me now that he forgot to MOT his car at the end of March, so while he's all taxed and insured, he doesn't have a current MOT. He's always been too laid back about sorting out these things, and now I fear that this lax-ness is going to bite him on the bum now.

Does anyone know what kind of documents the insurance companies ask for in situations where the car is written-off?

OP posts:
Ratbagcatbag · 26/05/2012 21:57

When my car was written off and it went 50/50 they never questioned about an MOT but they can check it electronically so assumed they did that. I couldbe wrong but I thought if it wasn't MOT'd then it invalidated insurance, but not sure.

Gay40 · 26/05/2012 21:59

If he doesn't have an MOT, his insurance is invalid and they won't be paying you a penny.....sorry. It means he was and is not insured, regardless of paying his insurance premium.

hiveofbees · 26/05/2012 22:01

AFAIK he isnt insured if he doesnt have an MOT

NatashaBee · 26/05/2012 22:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dropdeadfred · 26/05/2012 22:04

I agree with every one else.. I'd be really surprised if they pay out - sorry. I guess you have to be thankful he or anyone else was not hurt as they would not have had a payout either

Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:07

I could kill him, I really could SadAngrySad

OP posts:
Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:08

This couldn't come at a worse time too. It really couldn't.

OP posts:
Mama1980 · 26/05/2012 22:09

Hi sorry but i agree with the others if he has no mot then his insurance is invalid and they won't pay. It's all checked electronically these days Sad

Marne · 26/05/2012 22:09

Keeping my fingers crossed for you that they dont ask, if they do then you will not get a penny Sad.

You should have got a reminder through the post for MOT so its hard to forget to do it.

hiveofbees · 26/05/2012 22:09

If the other driver has admitted liability then the cost of the car should be recoverable, even if you have to pay a solicitor to pursue this for you.

greensnail · 26/05/2012 22:11

A friend of mine had an accident when her mot had expired, her insurance still paid out but they deducted some money from it (can't remember how much). Maybe you'll be lucky too.

SageMist · 26/05/2012 22:11

According to my DH, and he's just searched on honest John website and on money saving expert, if the insurance schedule says he must have an mot, then your dh has got a problem. If it doesn't then that sounds more hopeful.

walking123 · 26/05/2012 22:15

I work a large insurance company and we would honour your claiming, presuming the incident was not a result of your car not been roadworthy. Also as the other party is at fault their insurance would be liable for your damages. They are liable for your damages even if you are not insured.

hermioneweasley · 26/05/2012 22:17

My understanding is that the MOT thing is only relevant if the accident was caused by a fault which would have beenicked up on its MOT. Since it was the thru party's fault then this isn't the case. Also your insurance company will be reclaiming from the third party's so they shouldn't be to bothered.

Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:23

Everyone, Thanks, thank you so much.

Am still feeling really down about this all, but a little hopeful still. Thanks to you all for taking the time to post. I'm very grateful.

DH's career comes first, second and third. This really is just another example of wrapped up he is in his world. I'm so, so angry.

OP posts:
1sassylassy · 26/05/2012 22:23

If you have a read through this,it will give you more info,no mot does not invalidate your insurance.

Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:24

of how wrapped up he is...

OP posts:
rimmerfleadick · 26/05/2012 22:26

Hive not strictly correct as you are covered if driving your car to a pre booked MOT station and from a MOT to a place of repair.

I would go through the small print of your insurance docs.

As the other party has admitted liabilty then you should be ok, but you may get a reduced pay out.

The whole thing is a bit of a gray area as it is down to wether the car was deemed roadworthy, it is possible to have a valid MOT but un roadworthy car
e.g bald tyre.

IF your DH had been at fault, then the whole game changes and you could have been liable to cover the costs of the other party.

At least in future he sould now remember to have it done.

Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:27

sassy, thanks. I'm working my way through it as we speak.
Hopeful now...

OP posts:
Hervana · 26/05/2012 22:28

It should be the other car owner's insurance company paying you the monies, not your husbands. They may well be acting as an intermediary but they houldbt be paying out.

Make sure you ask for a hire car from the other car owner's insurance company too-not your husbands-you are entitled to it

Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:29

Rimmer, thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
WelshMoth · 26/05/2012 22:31

Hervana will do. I think he's actually managed to sort out a car for himself.

OP posts:
klaxon · 26/05/2012 22:33

They don't do MOT reminders these days. I only realised two days before it was due last year and lots of people are getting caught out.

1sassylassy · 26/05/2012 22:36

Another thread here,I have only skimmed through it but it looks like it was the financial ombudsman who ruled that no mot does not invaldate your insurance.

VivaLeBeaver · 26/05/2012 22:37

There was someone on MN who this happened to a few years ago and their insurance paid out without deduction. They said the accident couldn't have been influenced/caused by the car not having an MOT.

I think you'll be fine....as long as the other driver doesn't start saying that your DH didn't break in time and were the brakes not working correctly, etc.