Car ownership guides

Motorscan has gathered the information know-how to checking a vehicle for prior accidents, so if you’ve become suspicious about the car you’ve recently bought or are looking at buying a second hand car and want to investigate, check out our must-read guide!

Road tax is the bane of every driver’s life. Yet, it’s a tax you must pay if you intend to drive or park your vehicle on public roads, calculated on CO2 emissions, amongst other criteria. With that in mind, Motorscan provides you with all the necessary information to prepare and budget for the yearly cost, including details on applying for the tax and cancelling it if needed!

Motorscan weighs the pros and cons of short term car insurance versus the more familiar year-long traditional policies to give you a succinct rundown on what you need to know when deciding on the right car insurance.

It makes sense to check a vehicle for markers and avoid the pitfalls of buying an insurance write-off or even a stolen car. Running a MIAFTR check through Motorscan’s premium car history check does just that, and whilst it may not be foolproof because of an ill-conceived loophole, it remains the most highly effective tool to avoid car fraud!

Don’t be a statistic by falling victim to car fraud. Motorscan’s premium car check service scans the MIAFTR and salvage auction sites to ensure the vehicle you’re interested in buying hasn’t been stolen, written off or sent to salvage—won’t that be a weight off your mind?

If you’re about to buy your next used car, don’t let the fraudsters win! Carrying out a MIAFTR check with Motorscan could save you money and time from the fallout of purchasing a stolen vehicle or a worthless write-off. A quick, easy, effective solution for peace of mind and a win against unscrupulous scammers!

When MOT day comes around, most of us drive our cars into the MOT centre on a wing and a prayer hoping for a pass and no costly repairs. But did you know the most likely MOT fails are issues we can resolve beforehand? So, Motorscan has looked into the chances of passing and the top ten preventable MOT failures.

Crossing your fingers and leaving it to fate on MOT test day isn’t how you pass. And with silly resolvable issues accounting for most test fails, it makes sense to do something about it. So, follow Motorscan’s top tips guide on preparing your car for its MOT to give your vehicle the best possible chance of breezing through!

Unfortunately, there are plenty of unscrupulous car dealers eager to take your hard-earned money in exchange for a vehicle that looks genuine but isn’t quite what it seems on closer inspection. So, Motorscan wants to help you avoid buying a cloned vehicle with our guide on finding the VIN number on your next used car and why it’s crucial to check!

You have a crash and your insurance company declare your beloved car a write-off, what are your options now? We take a look into what it all really means and the options available to you. A car write-off may not necessarily mean saying goodbye for your car forever.

When your car is declared a write off it can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help put you remind at ease and give you more options than you initially thought. We look at the common questions you may have and provide the answers you may be looking for.

Buying a car can be expensive and if you know what to look for considering a car that has been written off by an insurance company can be a great way to save money. We have broken down the top 5 things we think you should know about before buying a written-off car so you can buy with confidence.

Finding the right insurance provider is never easy and buying from the dealership can seem like the best option. However, dealerships are often way more expensive than specialist GAP providers so it can be well worth your time to do some research. We explore some key tips to help you find the best GAP insurance policy for you.

GAP insurance may seem like an overpriced and unnecessary policy to purchase however, there are times when this type of cover could save you a lot of money. Understanding exactly how GAP works and what to look out for ensures that you can buy with confidence.

GAP insurance is thrown around as an offer a lot when you go to buy a new car and it may seem like an expensive option to add onto the cost especially if you don’t fully understand what it provides. We break down the nitty gritty of GAP so you can make an informed decision before purchasing a policy.

With so many insurances and things to remember for your car, it can feel overwhelming knowing what is worth investing in and what is not. Breakdown cover can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded at the side of the road with a broken car but what is included and what options are available?

Are extended car warranties as good as they first appear, and are they right for you? With baffling policy wording and confusing small print, Motorscan has been doing its homework to shed light on some of the disadvantages of this particular insurance to put you in the best position to make that decision.

If you’ve decided now is the time to learn to drive, you may be wondering whether you need to arrange provisional licence insurance to cover you. And whilst car insurance is a legal requirement, Motorscan explains everything in our easy-to-read guide so you can determine whether this affects you.

Learning to drive can be an exciting time, but if you practice in a family or friend’s vehicle or your own car, you’ll need to get provisional licence insurance. Motorscan’s all-you-need-to-know guide allows learner drivers to discover what this insurance is and when they need it.

So, you’ve got your provisional licence and decided on extra practice outside your driving lessons, or perhaps you’re using your own car to learn to drive. Motorscan has gathered everything you need to know on how and where to get your provisional licence insurance for however long you need it, so you can be safely reassured you’re covered!