New research has found that 47% of tradespeople have forgotten their MOT, and 5% admitted that they continue to drive without realising it had expired.
The survey from Tempcover also revealed that 46% service their van regularly, with time, cost and lack of legal requirement cited as key barriers.
Tempcover said that vans are a vital part of a tradesperson’s job, yet many self-employed workers are risking their safety, income and legal compliance by skipping essential upkeep.
When it comes to vehicle servicing, 33% service their vans occasionally and 16% wait until there’s a noticeable issue. A further 46% said they follow a regular service schedule.
When asked why they put off servicing, 28% said they were too busy with work, 21% cited cost and 25% felt it wasn’t necessary because it’s not legally required. A further 16% simply believed their vehicle was running fine and didn’t need one.
When it comes to MOT advisory notes, 40% act on them straightaway, while a further 41% wait a few months. A total of 10% admitted to leaving them unresolved for even longer and 7% said they address issues when they become urgent.
The study found that 36% of tradespeople having experienced a van breakdown in the past two years, and 26% have been forced to cancel or delay work due to transport issues.
When asked how many working hours were lost due to their most recent vehicle-related issue, 44% said they had lost between four and eight hours of work.
When faced with vehicle issues in the past, 40% said they had to rely on a vehicle from friends, family or colleagues to keep working, 15% had to go out and buy a new vehicle and 6% received customer complaints due to last-minute job cancellations.
The survey revealed that 32% stated that they had to pay out of their own pocket to get the issues rectified. A total of 25% spent between £751 and £1,000, and 16% spent between £1,001 and £1,500 to get back on the road.
Despite the clear disruption caused by losing access to a work vehicle, many tradespeople are unfamiliar with some of the practical options available to stay on the road.
When asked about the first step they take if their work vehicle becomes out of action, 34% said they borrow another vehicle, while 27% stated that they opted to rent. However, 7% admitted they have no contingency plan in place.
Tempcover stated that temporary business van insurance remains an underutilised resource. The research found that 43% of respondents said they are not aware of what it is or how it could help them, and only 19% had used it previously to get insured on an alternative vehicle during a period of disruption. A further 5% said they are currently considering it.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary business van insurance at Tempcover, added: “Temporary business van insurance is a practical solution for tradespeople who suddenly find themselves without a vehicle. Whether their van has broken down, been stolen, or is in the garage for repairs, flexible short-term cover allows them to borrow a van and continue their work without interruption. It’s quick to arrange and can last from just a few hours to several weeks, helping minimise downtime, protect income, and maintain positive relationships with customers.”
