How to Check If Your Car is Taxed and Insured (The Easy Way!) – New Car Mats' Guide

It’s easy to forget when your car tax or insurance is due – life’s busy, after all. But keeping your car taxed and insured isn’t just important, it’s a legal requirement. Drive without either, and you could be facing fines, penalty points, or even losing your vehicle.

But don’t worry – we’ve made it simple. At New Car Mats, we’re all about making car ownership stress-free. This guide shows you how to check your car’s tax and insurance status in just a few clicks.

Checking your car’s tax status is completely free and takes less than a minute.

Here’s how:

1. Head to the official DVLA vehicle tax checker.
2. Pop in your registration number.
3. Confirm your vehicle’s details.

See whether your car is taxed and when it’s due.

✅ Top Tip: Avoid third-party websites that charge for this – it’s always free on the gov.uk website.

Want even more details? Check out your car’s MOT history while you’re at it using the same registration number on the DVLA MOT checker.

To check if your vehicle is insured, use the free Motor Insurance Database (MID) tool:

1. Visit askMID.

2. Enter your registration number.

3. Confirm your details and check your insurance status.

This only shows if the car is insured – not the provider or policy details – and it’s designed for checking your own vehicle. If you were in an accident and need to check another car, there’s a separate tool for that on the same site.

If your car isn’t taxed or insured and you’re driving it on public roads, you’re breaking the law. Here's what could happen:

No tax: Up to a £1,000 fine, plus your car could be clamped.

No insurance: A £300 fixed fine, six points on your licence, and potential vehicle seizure. Court cases can lead to disqualification and unlimited fines.

🛑 Important: Even if your car is exempt from road tax (like electric vehicles or classic cars), you must still register for tax annually.

Some vehicles are tax-exempt, but still need to be registered:

1. Electric vehicles (until April 2025)
2. Classic cars over 40 years old
3. Mobility vehicles used by disabled people
4. Agricultural and forestry vehicles
5. Steam-powered vehicles (yes, really!)

When is my car tax due?

You can pay monthly, every 6 months or yearly. Use this gov.uk tool to see when yours runs out.

When is my insurance up for renewal?

Check your last policy documents or speak with your provider – most renew annually, even if you pay monthly.

Can I insure and tax my car on the same day?

Yes – just make sure you’ve done both before driving.

Can I tax a car without insurance?

No. The systems are linked – the DVLA checks for insurance before letting you tax the vehicle.

Looking for more helpful car ownership advice? Or maybe it’s time to protect your floors with our car mats.. We’ve got you covered – literally. Shop car mats now

Looking for more detailed information as a first time car owner?

If you’ve just bought your first car, congratulations! Owning a vehicle gives you freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Two of the most important requirements for driving on UK roads are making sure your car is taxed and properly insured.

Whether you've bought a brand-new vehicle or a used one, here's everything you need to know about car tax classes and the types of car insurance available in the UK.

📊 What Are Car Tax Classes?

Car tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a legal requirement for most cars in the UK. How much you pay depends on several factors, including the car’s CO₂ emissions, fuel type, and registration date. These factors determine the car's tax class, which influences the annual cost of your road tax.

The Main UK Car Tax Classes:

Standard Tax Class

Most modern vehicles fall under this category. The amount you pay is based on CO₂ emissions if the car was registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, or a flat rate for newer vehicles.

Zero-Rated or Low Emissions Class

Fully electric cars and some low-emission hybrids are currently exempt from paying road tax. However, from 1 April 2025, electric vehicles will be subject to standard road tax rates.

Historic Vehicles

Cars over 40 years old are exempt from paying tax, but you still need to apply for the exemption.

Disabled Drivers and Organisations

Vehicles used by or for disabled people may qualify for tax exemptions or reductions. This includes cars owned by registered charities transporting disabled passengers.

Agricultural and Special-Use Vehicles

Tractors and certain off-road vehicles used for farming, horticulture or forestry can qualify for exemptions under limited-use rules.

📍 Important: Even if your vehicle is exempt from paying road tax, you must still register it with the DVLA annually.

🛡️ Understanding the Types of Car Insurance in the UK

You can’t legally drive on UK roads without car insurance. The minimum legal requirement is third-party cover, but it’s often worth considering more comprehensive options depending on your needs.

The Three Main Types of Car Insurance:

Third-Party Only Insurance

This is the most basic level of cover. It protects you against damage you cause to other people’s vehicles, property or injury to others. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.

Third-Party, Fire and Theft

This builds on third-party cover by including protection against fire damage or theft of your vehicle.

Fully Comprehensive Insurance

The highest level of protection. It covers everything above and also includes damage to your own car, regardless of who is at fault. Some policies may also offer extras like courtesy cars, legal expenses and windscreen cover.

What Affects Your Insurance Premium?

Your age and driving experience

The make and model of your car

Where the car is kept overnight

Your annual mileage

Any previous claims or convictions

Whether you have a No Claims Bonus

📝 New drivers often pay more for insurance, but you can reduce costs by installing a black box, parking off-street, and comparing providers online.

🚨 Why Tax and Insurance Matter

Driving without tax or insurance can lead to:

Fines of up to £1,000 for unpaid car tax

A £300 fine and 6 penalty points for no insurance

Your vehicle being clamped, seized or destroyed by the authorities

📌 Tip: Use the DVLA vehicle checker to check your car's tax status and the Motor Insurance Database (MID) to verify if your car is insured.

✅ Final Thoughts: Stay Road-Legal and Informed

Whether you're a first-time driver or a seasoned motorist, staying on top of your car tax and insurance status is essential for legal and safe driving in the UK. Failing to do so can lead to fines, penalty points, or even losing your vehicle.

Thankfully, with simple tools available through the DVLA and the Motor Insurance Database, checking whether your car is taxed and insured takes just minutes. Keeping your documents up to date not only protects you legally but also ensures peace of mind while on the road.

At New Car Mats, we believe in making vehicle ownership simpler. Along with providing high-quality custom car mats, we’re here to help you navigate all the key responsibilities of owning a car in the UK.

For more helpful guides and driving tips, keep browsing our blog – and don’t forget to check out our range of tailored car mats for every make and model.