If your car did not have a valid MOT at the time of an accident or incident, your insurance cover may be affected. This is because driving without a valid MOT is against UK law and breaches the terms of your Marshmallow policy.
Why an MOT is important
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test checks that your car meets legal safety and environmental standards. Without it, your car is not considered roadworthy.
When you take out a policy with us, you agree that your car:
Will have a valid MOT if one is required
Will meet all legal requirements while the policy is active
When we might still cover you
Your claim may still be accepted if either of the following applies:
1. Your car was parked at your home address
If the vehicle was stationary and at your home when the incident occurred (e.g. damaged while parked), we may pay the claim and keep your policy active.
2. You were driving to a pre-booked MOT or mechanic appointment
You can legally drive without an MOT only if you're on your way to an MOT or repair appointment.
To be eligible for cover, you must provide clear, dated proof of this appointment.
Acceptable proof includes:
A confirmation email or text from the garage
A calendar booking
An invoice or job sheet dated before the incident
When your claim will be declined
We will decline your claim and cancel your policy (with no refund of premium) if all the following are true:
Your MOT had expired before the accident or loss
The vehicle was not parked at your home address
You were not driving directly to a booked MOT or mechanic appointment
This is considered a policy breach because the vehicle did not meet legal requirements.