Did you know that you might not be insured if your car is not roadworthy?

Written on the 23 March 2023 by BumperTech

Are you aware that if your car is not roadworthy, you may be uninsured? When it comes to insurance claims, being a responsible driver is only half the job – ensuring your vehicle is in good condition is just as important. If you're behind the wheel of a car with mechanical issues or worn tyres, even if the incident that caused the damage was unrelated, there's a risk your claim could in fact be denied. To avoid this outcome and increase your chances of having a successful claim, we will discuss common issues that prevent cars from passing the roadworthy inspection, what additions to your car could stop you getting insured, what to check to ensure your car is roadworthy, how to keep your car in good condition so it passes the inspection.  Driving safely with a reliable car will go a long way towards making sure you can make an effective insurance claim any time you need to.

Common issues that can prevent you from getting a Roadworthy Certificate

Acquiring a Roadworthy Certificate is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle on the streets. However, there are a number of common issues that may impede your ability to obtain this important document. Potential issues that could prevent you from getting a Roadworthy Certificate may include worn or damaged tires, faulty lights or electrical problems, and inadequate or malfunctioning brakes. Additionally, problems with steering or suspension, poorly fitted or damaged seatbelts, and structural rust can also lead to a failed inspection. While these issues may seem daunting, regular vehicle maintenance and addressing concerns as they arise can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate and maintaining the safe operation of your vehicle.

Other items that may affect your insurance coverage.

When it comes to automobile insurance, it is important to understand that modifications to your vehicle can have a significant impact on your coverage. Insurance providers tend to view enhanced vehicles as posing a higher risk, and therefore, may adjust policies accordingly. While minor adjustments like adding a tow bar might be easily covered, more noticeable changes such as a custom paint job or a powerful stereo system could lead to your car being labelled as modified. To ensure that your vehicle is adequately protected, it is crucial to proactively report any modifications to your insurance provider and confirm if they are included in your policy. Failing to disclose such alterations may result in a lack of coverage in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurer. An important part of this commitment involves keeping your vehicle in top condition - safe to drive, roadworthy and well-maintained. Therefore, it's crucial to:

• Replace worn out tyres
• Check brakes
• Repair rust damage
• Fix upholstery issues
• Repair any dents or scratches not covered by an insurance claim.

Tips for keeping your car in good condition so it passes the inspection easily.

Maintaining your car in good condition not only ensures a smooth driving experience but also plays a crucial role in helping it pass the roadworthy inspection with ease. It is essential to follow certain tips and adopt preventative measures that can aid in prolonging your vehicle's overall performance and keep it roadworthy.

First and foremost, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is imperative to keep your vehicle functioning optimally. This includes routine oil and filter changes, fluid replacements, and regular inspections of essential components like brakes, tires, and battery.

Another crucial consideration is to protect your car's exterior and interior by washing and waxing it regularly, preventing corrosion and maintaining its aesthetic value. It is also important to resolve any minor issues proactively, such as replacing worn out or damaged parts like wipers, bulbs, or belts, as these seemingly small problems could lead to major complications if left unattended.

By adhering to these tips diligently and treating your car with care, you can ultimately ensure its readiness for those inevitable roadworthy inspections and have confidence in its continued reliability.

Ultimately, if you’re driving an unroadworthy car, it can have big consequences. Safety and insurance should be at the forefront of your mind when a car accident occurs. If you haven’t kept up with maintenance and the state of your car is unroadworthy, then unfortunately, you may not be covered by insurance. It's important to understand how a Roadworthy Certificate works and to know what other items must be in check for coverage. Thankfully, it's quite easy to maintain your vehicle in good condition. For example, routinely checking your brakes, tyres and fixing any major body damage in time for a certificate of roadworthiness inspection. And if there happens to be minor blemishes that need to be fixed before inspection, BumperTech can certainly take the hassle out of minor rust, dent & scratch repairs so there won't be any excuse for not passing the certification! Contact us today!