Ignoring service lights could leave drivers uninsured

A simple dashboard warning light could end up costing drivers far more than they realise, according to motoring experts.

Research by car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk warns that ignoring a service light may not only be dangerous, and lead to expensive repair costs, but could also invalidate insurance.

Insurers could refuse to pay out if an accident is linked to a known fault that had not been addressed, such as worn tyres, faulty brakes or an engine warning light – potentially leaving drivers with thousands in unexpected costs.

With repair prices continuing to soar, some drivers are delaying essential maintenance – a move experts fear could backfire financially, legally and put all road users at risk.  

According to the Department for Transport, defective vehicles are currently responsible for around 1,300 collisions each year, approximately 3% of all collisions in Great Britain.*

It is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 for motorists to keep their vehicle safe and roadworthy. Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can lead to fines of up to £2,500, three penalty points and even a driving ban.**

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Lots of car owners are feeling the squeeze with high costs of servicing, repairs, insurance and now petrol.

“While ignoring or delaying a service light may seem innocent, it could lead to dangerous consequences.

“Unexpected repair costs are an unwelcome surprise to us all, but it’s important to understand why warning lights must be addressed immediately.

“The requirement to keep up to date with repairs and checks will be included in the insurance policy, taking on the policy means drivers agree to maintain the vehicle to a roadworthy standard. Poor car maintenance is a big issue for insurers and leads to many invalidated claims. Not only that, it could result in problems with the law, such as hefty fines and penalty points.

“Keeping a car in a roadworthy condition also includes simple things like checking lightbulbs, and replacing worn out tyres – plus making sure brakes work and all windows and mirrors are clean each and every time it’s driven.”

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year to compare and find savings on their car insurance. 

References:

*https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024

**https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe#:~:text=You’re%20responsible%20for%20making,different%20rules%20for%20commercial%20vehicles.

Number of reported road collisions, by severity and contributory factor, Great Britain, 10 years up to 2023 – https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain#full-publication-update-history

The most recent data, 2024, is recorded slightly differently – https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/reported-road-accidents-vehicles-and-casualties-tables-for-great-britain

Noting – This tab contains both data that has been converted from contributory factors and directly recorded as road safety factors, this is indicated in the column names.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.