Traders Can Often Struggle to Get MoT Done on Time

An interesting survey from Tempcover FYI;

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% of tradespeople admit they’ve forgotten their MOT in the past*, with 5% 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% only service their vans occasionally, and 16% wait until there’s a noticeable issue. Just 46% said they follow a regular service schedule.

Time, Cost and Ignored Advisories

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

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

The Bigger Picture: Breakdowns, Cancellations and Cash Losses

With 36% of tradespeople having experienced a van breakdown in the past two years, and 26% 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% 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% had to rely on a vehicle from friends, family or colleagues to keep working

• 6% received customer complaints due to last-minute job cancellations

• 15% had to go out and buy a new vehicle

Nearly one in three (32%) also stated they had to pay out of their own pocket to get the issues rectified, with 25% spending between £751 and £1,000, and 16% 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% said they borrow another vehicle, while 27% opt to rent. However, 7% admitted they have no contingency plan in place.

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