216 Million miles driven each year by vehicles without valid MOT

·         17 per cent of drivers have accidentally driven their vehicle without a valid MOT

·         216 million miles covered by vehicles without valid MOT each year

New research¹  from Direct Line for Business reveals one in six (17 per cent) drivers have accidentally driven their vehicle without a valid MOT for a week, at least once in the past five years. One in 12 (eight per cent) drivers have accidentally driven without a valid MOT for over six months.

Of those who accidently drove without a valid MOT for a week, nearly half (45 per cent) only drove once, however one in 13 (eight per cent) drove five or more times. Based on the average motorist driving 21.6 miles every day, this equates to 216 million miles each year by motorists without a valid MOT. 

When it comes to the battle of the sexes, men are more likely to have driven without a valid MOT (20 per cent vs 15 per cent), while those aged 18-34 (27 per cent) are much more likely than 35-54-year olds or 55-year olds (nine per cent).

Regionally, a third (32 per cent) of Londoners admitted to driving without a valid MOT for a week, while 25 per cent did in the North East, followed by the North West (20 per cent) and Yorkshire (19 per cent).

Matt Boatwright, Head of Direct Line for Business, said: “Keeping a vehicle road worthy is a legal requirement and essential from a safety perspective for both the person driving and others on the road. We understand that having to turn down work because your van is in the garage can be frustrating, however not having a valid MOT could result in a hefty fine and in some cases lead to you losing your licence.

For more information on MOTs and the potential consequences of driving without one please see: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance/knowledge-centre/running-your-van/driving-without-MOT

For more information about Direct Line’s Van Insurance visit the website: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance

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Notes to Editors

¹  Research conducted by Opinium amongst 2,008 UK adults between 30^th June and 1^st July 2019

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group
Unni Henry
Senior PR Consultant
Tel: 01903 636 149
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

Direct Line for Business

Launched in 2007 Direct Line for Business provides a range of insurance products for the small business sector direct by phone or on-line.

Direct Line for Business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line for Business and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line for Business products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk