A van insurance company has revealed that nearly 20% of van drivers are taking to the roads without a valid MOT certificate, risking both their road safety and the integrity of their commercial vehicle policies.
The insurer questioned 1,200 drivers and, worryingly, found that 18% confessed to not having a valid MOT certificate, something that can automatically invalidate a van insurance policy.
The company's fleet insurance specialist commented, "A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement, driving without one can not only get you int trouble with the police but may invalidate your van insurance policy too.
" It is vital that van drivers take note of their renewal dates and make sure their MOT certificate is valid and up-to-date."
The temptation to go without an MOT certificate should be contrasted with the consequences of what can happen if drivers don't. For example, during May a tradesman was shocked to learn that he was unable to make a claim on his van insurance policy after he suffered a neck injury while crashing his MOT-less vehicle.
Since the accident had been caused by a mechanical fault with his Ford Transit, his insurer denied liability and refused to settle the claim.