Careless Driving without Due Care and Attention = 6 Points

[Scotters]

I have just received 6 points for "due care and attention" for bumping into the car in front. Apparently it only went to court because my MOT was out, the actual crash was minor, nobody was hurt. Its come at a time when I simply cannot afford a higher insurance rate. Is there anything I can do, like appeal?

[Ethel]

No. The terms and conditions of your insurance require that your vehicle be legal and roadworthy.

The law requires your vehicle to be MOT'd - you took the risk and got caught.

I really cannot see any grounds for appeal - you drove into the back of the car in front because you weren't driving safely.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if you cant afford to run a car properly,(a mot costs between �40 and �50 depending on where you go),then you should not have a car,and now you have 6 pts its going to cost you even more.

[Scotters]

DEAR ETHEL: Firstly, don't assume. I did not knowingly drive my car without MOT. Secondly INSURANCE POLICIES ARE NOT VOID IF YOUR MOT IS OUT OF DATE. You obviously haven't clue about what you are talking about and YOU SHOULD NOT BE GIVING OUT ADVICE. - I received full insurance costs, and this is common knowlege - don't make statements regarding things you haven't a clue about, you'll make someones situation worse.

DEAR NORMAN: Again its the reaction of the dim to assume so much. I have never had a single crash until this one, thats 15 years of driving and never missed an MOT. I have 8 years No Claims Bonus and I drive everyday in Central London. But thanks so much for the golden nuggets (an MOT cost �40 to �50 and I'll now pay more for insurance) - GREAT

NOW MY ADVICE TO BOTH OF YOU, DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. SECONDLY DON'T GIVE ADVICE UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

[Ethel]

No need to shout.

I have not said anywhere that your insurance is void.

It IS your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is MOT'd - ignorance is no defence.

I have maximum no claims too - I have been driving all my adult life, retired a few years and have never driven into the back of anybody.

I have had two cars written off, one was parked, by cars driving into them - neither times was it my fault.

I drove as part of my job too. Sorry you didn't like my answer, but it is correct. You have no grounds for appeal.

[Buenchico]

The requirement to have a valid MoT certificate is certainly written into some insurance documents. (It's in mine, with Kwik-Fit). So Ethel's post seems to have greater validity than you give it credit for.

'Due care' can result in up to 9 penalty points, so any appeal would seem doomed to failure. (Even if you could get the penalty reduced to three points, it probably wouldn't make much difference to the insurance premium you'd be quoted. Some companies just see the conviction, rather than the number of points which result).

Insurance companies seem to treat penalty points differently. Some will add a hefty weighting for 3-6 points, whereas others only add a very small amount to the premium. The only useful advice has to be 'shop around'.

Chris

[Scotters]

Buenchico - thank you for a constructive answer. Although funnily enough I was with Kwik Fit but don't forget they are a broker not an underwriter. I spoke to an insurance specialist and she said 95% of insurance policies will pay out even without MOT and you should avoid the ones who don't as this reflects on the quality of the service in general.

[beryllium]

Ever heard of a diary or calendar Scotters? they are terribly useful for important dates and reminders y'know :-)

[Scotters]

You said "Terms and conditions require...." If the terms and conditions require something you fail to uphold. Your forgo side of the contract..OR you policy is void. Don't dig yourself a bigger hole with a spade of misimformation.

[Suzyboo]

errr, Ethel and beryllium aren't the same person are they?

[Scotters]

Berylium: Oh my word I was astonished by the usefulness of your comment. I am surprised that someone of such self importance stoops low enough to join such a debate.

I am beginning to wonder if this site should be renamed
'ANSWER-BACK' Due to the nature of the answers posted.

[beryllium]

lol... nope, I'm definately me.

[beryllium]

Scotters. With respect please.

[beryllium]

Without Prejudice.
Scotters. I have read and read your replies. Thanks for the giggles :-) ) lol