How to check a car’s insurance and tax status

Need to check if your car is insured and taxed, but not sure how? This handy guide will walk you through the process.

Keeping your car insured and taxed can be expensive, but it’s a legal requirement if you’re driving on public roads.

There are hefty penalties if you’re caught driving without either, including big fines, penalty points on your licence and, in some cases, having your car crushed.

But fear not, it’s really easy to check your car’s tax and insurance status, and in this handy guide, we’ll run through how to check both.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

How to check if a car is taxed

Checking your car’s tax status is free and easy to do. You can check it through the government’s website or using Carwow.

Don’t use websites that try to charge you for this service. They won’t make the process any quicker or easier, and there’s no need to pay.

Here’s how to use Carwow’s car tax checker:

1. Head to the Carwow tax checker page
2. Enter the car’s registration number
3. Confirm the car details are correct

Once you’ve done these three things, you’ll see the car’s tax status, including whether it’s taxed and when its current tax expires. You can also check the car’s MOT history here.

The DVLA also has a service for reporting an untaxed car, should you wish to do so.

How to check if a car is insured

The best way to check if a car is insured is to use the Motor Insurance Database (MID). This is the central database of insured vehicles in the UK, and you can use the relevant service to check whether your car is recorded as insured.

The check doesn’t reveal personal information or details about the insurance policy. It simply confirms whether the vehicle is recorded as being insured.

Again, this is a free service, so ignore any third-party companies that try to charge you for the same check.

You should only use the service to check the insurance status of your own car. The MID has a separate tool for checking another vehicle if you’ve been involved in an accident.

What to do if your car isn’t taxed or insured

Discovering that your car isn’t taxed or insured means you shouldn’t drive it on public roads until you’ve sorted it out.

Untaxed vehicles can usually be taxed online through the government website. You’ll need your V5C logbook and, if you have one, your V11 tax reminder.

For cars without insurance, you’ll need to arrange valid cover before driving. Once you’ve bought a policy, it can take a little time for your details to appear on the Motor Insurance Database, so keep your insurance documents as proof of cover.

Alternatively, you can declare the car SORN if you don’t plan to use it and can keep it off the public road. A SORN vehicle must be kept on private land and can only be driven on public roads in limited circumstances, such as travelling to a pre-booked MOT.

Why is it important to check if a car is insured and taxed?

Checking that your car is taxed and insured makes sure you’re legally allowed to drive it on public roads and helps you avoid potentially hefty fines and other penalties.

It’s a legal requirement for all cars to be taxed unless you’ve made a SORN declaration and are keeping the car off the road. If you drive an untaxed car, you could face a penalty of £1,000 or five times the amount of outstanding tax, whichever is greater. Your car could also be clamped by DVLA agents, with release fees adding to the bill.

You also need at least third-party insurance to legally drive on a public road. Driving without insurance can result in six penalty points and a £300 fine, while a court can impose an unlimited fine and disqualify you from driving.

Checking car tax and insurance FAQs

When is my car tax due?

You can use the government’s online tool to check whether a vehicle is taxed and when its current tax runs out.

You can pay vehicle tax monthly, every six months or annually by Direct Debit. There’s a 5% surcharge when paying monthly or every six months, so paying annually is usually cheaper. The standard rate for most cars is £200 a year.

When is my car insurance due?

Most car insurance policies run for 12 months, even if you choose to pay the premium in monthly instalments. Your renewal date will normally be the date your policy expires, so check your policy documents or contact your insurer if you’re unsure.

Can I tax a car without insurance?

You need insurance before you can use a car on the road, and you’ll normally need to have insurance in place before taxing it.

Is my car insured if it’s not taxed?

Having valid insurance doesn’t automatically end just because your car is untaxed. However, you should check your policy terms, as insurers may have conditions relating to the legal use of your vehicle.

Can I insure and tax a car on the same day?

Yes. There’s no requirement to wait between insuring and taxing your car. You need to have insurance before using the vehicle on the road and must tax it before driving it on public roads.

What vehicles are exempt from paying tax?

Some vehicles are exempt from paying vehicle tax, although you may still need to apply for tax and put the vehicle into the appropriate tax class.

These include certain historic vehicles, vehicles used by disabled people and some agricultural vehicles. Our guide to cars that are exempt from road tax has more information.

What do I need to tax my car?

You’ll need the car’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from its V5C logbook, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip if you’ve just bought the car. You can also use the 16-digit reference number from a V11 tax reminder if you have one.

What do I need to insure my car?

Your insurer will usually ask for details including your name, date of birth, address, occupation and vehicle registration, along with information about your driving history and how you use the car. The exact information required will vary between insurers.

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