Thousands of British motorists neglecting important car repairs needed for an MOT test could end up paying more “in the long run”, according to specialists.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk has warned road users against delaying essential repair jobs in a bid to save money.
He stressed this could end up dramatically backfiring as a small amount of damage could get worse and lead to larger issues later down the line.
It comes after the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported a staggering 32 percent hike in repair costs in 2023.
Fees are expected to rise again this year in another major blow to cash-strapped motorists hit by the cost of living crisis.
Leaving a vehicle road users know is damaged could also come back to bite as this could invalidate their car insurance policy.
Greg explained: “The automotive industry is under major financial strain with the increased costs of materials and energy driving up repair costs – which in turn escalates car insurance premiums.
“It’s a vicious cycle and drivers are suffering the consequences, especially those who need their car for work or school runs.
“This leads to a growing issue where car owners avoid getting repair jobs and servicing done in a bid to save money. It’s also common for people to request the minimal repairs necessary just to pass an MOT.
“Cutting back on car repairs may initially save households some cash, however neglecting vehicle maintenance is very risky and can end up costing much more in the long run.
Data suggests as many as one in five drivers put off essential repairs like worn brake pads, dangerously worn tyres and broken or missing wipers.
A previous poll from Censuswide revealed that a whopping 49 percent of respondents put off vehicle repairs due to rising living costs.
The survey of 2,100 people conducted last year found that 39 percent were worried their vehicle would break down as a result of neglect.
Meanwhile, a massive 56 percent were concerned about how they could afford repairs if something major went wrong.
