NEARLY HALF OF TRADESPEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN THEIR MOT – AND OVER 1 IN 6 DELAY SERVICING UNTIL ISSUES ARISE

Like & share this news article:
News

  Posted by: electime      31st July 2025

  • 47 per cent of tradespeople have forgotten their MOT*, with 5 per cent continuing to drive without realising it had expired.
  • Just 46 per cent service their van regularly, with time, cost, and lack of legal requirement cited as key barriers.
  • More than one in four (26 per cent) tradespeople have had to cancel or delay jobs due to transport issues.

For tradespeople, vans are a vital part of the job, yet many self-employed workers are risking their safety, income, and legal compliance by skipping essential upkeep.

According to new survey findings from temporary business van insurance experts, Tempcover, 47 per cent of tradespeople admit they’ve forgotten their MOT in the past*, with 5 per cent continuing to drive unknowingly without a valid certificate — despite the fact that driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can result in fines, penalty points, and invalidated insurance.

When it comes to vehicle servicing, 33 per cent only service their vans occasionally, and 16 per cent wait until there’s a noticeable issue. Just 46 per cent said they follow a regular service schedule.

Time, Cost and Ignored Advisories

When asked why they put off servicing, 28 per cent said they were too busy with work, 21 per cent cited cost, and 25 per cent felt it wasn’t necessary because it’s not legally required. A further 16 per cent simply believed their vehicle was running fine and didn’t need one.

When it comes to MOT advisory notes, only 40 per cent act on them straightaway, while a further 41 per cent wait a few months. Worryingly, 10 per cent admit to leaving them unresolved for even longer, and 7 per cent only address issues when they become urgent.

The Bigger Picture: Breakdowns, Cancellations and Cash Losses

With 36 per cent of tradespeople having experienced a van breakdown in the past two years, and 26 per cent forced to cancel or delay work due to transport issues, proactive maintenance is a key part of protecting income.

Time off the road doesn’t just mean an inconvenience, it results in lost earnings. When asked how many working hours were lost due to their most recent vehicle-related issue, 44 per cent said they had lost between four and eight hours of work.

When faced with vehicle issues in the past, respondents reported the following impacts:

  • 40 per cent had to rely on a vehicle from friends, family or colleagues to keep working
  • 6 per cent received customer complaints due to last-minute job cancellations
  • 15 per cent had to go out and buy a new vehicle

Nearly one in three (32 per cent) also stated they had to pay out of their own pocket to get the issues rectified, with 25 per cent spending between £751 and £1,000, and 16 per cent spending between £1,001 and £1,500 to get back on the road.

Contingency Plans

Despite the clear disruption caused by losing access to a work vehicle, many tradespeople are unfamiliar with some of the practical options available to stay on the road.

When asked about the first step they take if their work vehicle becomes out of action, 34 per cent said they borrow another vehicle, while 27 per cent opt to rent. However, 7 per cent admitted they have no contingency plan in place.

Temporary business van insurance remains an underutilised resource. 43 per cent of respondents said they are not aware of what it is or how it could help them, and only 19 per cent had used it previously to get insured on an alternative vehicle during a period of disruption. A further 5 per cent said they are currently considering it.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary business van insurance at Tempcover, adds:

“Temporary business van insurance is a practical solution for tradespeople who suddenly find themselves without a vehicle. Whether their van has broken down, been stolen, or is in the garage for repairs, flexible short-term cover allows them to borrow a van and continue their work without interruption. It’s quick to arrange and can last from just a few hours to several weeks, helping minimise downtime, protect income, and maintain positive relationships with customers.”