How to Choose the Right Policy for Your Car

After you have passed your test and bought a car –you need to find out how you can legally start driving on the road.

We explain how to get everything you need – tax, insurance and an MOT.

1. Get insurance

It's illegal to drive without insurance. And it's not cheap for young or new drivers. This is due to the high percentage of motor accidents caused by under 24-year-olds or drivers who have recently passed their test.

Some companies offer insurance at cheaper prices than others. Cheap is relative to different drivers, so before taking others' advice, take your time to look online around online as well.

Several insurance searches such as Auto Trader Insurance Search and Money Supermarket are really good in helping you find the best deal suited to you.

In the case where you bought your car with finance, we would also recommend that you consider enrolling in gap insurance as it will protect you against tremendous unexpected cost caused by accidents.

Types of insurance cover

1. Third party

This is the most basic and the cheapest insurance cover offered and is popular for drivers of older, low value vehicles. It covers the insured should they injure someone or damage another car; it also covers the damage done to other driver's vehicle; damage to or theft of the insured's car is not covered

2. Third party fire and theft
A little more expensive than third party cover, this cover in addition will cover your car if it's damaged by fire or stolen.

3. Fully Comprehensive
The safest but most expensive insurance cover, fully comprehensive is the most popular type of vehicle which fully protected your vehicle if damaged in an accident with another road user. In addition to this, third party fire and theft is inclusive. Different insurance providers offer different comprehensive cover options, such as providing a temporary car in place or sending someone directly to repair your vehicle on the roadside. This is a preferable option for rare or valuable models. It's the safest but most expensive insurance type to select.

Get a gap insurance if you do own a car that is a rare or expensive model and you are paying in instalments.

Insurance costs

The price of insurance depends on your financial circumstances. The following are the points which would contribute to minimising your insurance quote.

• Take a Pass Plus course
• Are over 24 years old
• Have a car with a small engine
• Have not been involved in an accident before
• Own a vehicle which is not modified
• Own a car which is not a rare or expensive model
• Have not claimed for a repair before (no claims bonus)

2. Pass your MOT

This Ministry of Transport (MOT) test scheme is in place to ensure vehicles are up to a certain standard of roadworthiness.

If your vehicle doesn't pass an MOT test, it won't be allowed on the road.

MOT tests need to be taken and passed at car garages once a year, but brand new vehicles are only required to take their first test three years after production.

There are over 18,000 garages in the UK which carry out MOTs, but make sure the garage you choose has the three blue triangles logo somewhere on display – this means it's approved.

What's tested and inspected at an MOT centre:

• Number plates
• Lights, windows, mirrors and washers
• Fuel system, exhaust and emissions
• Seats, doors and seatbelts
• Steering and suspension
• Wheels, tyres and brakes

The current price of an MOT test is £50.35.

If you don't pass first time, your car may need repairing before retaking the test. It may even need scrapping if it severely fails its MOT test and repairs would cost too much.

3. Get tax

The third and final step in making your vehicle legal is to get it taxed. The price you pay for this depends on a number of factors – the age of your vehicle, how large its engine is and the amount of CO2 it emits.

Tax discs last for six months or one-year and need to be displayed in your front window. These display the tax band, price paid, car model and expiry date.

Follow these simple steps to applying for car tax:

1. Have the document reference number from your vehicle's registration certificate at hand.
2. Make sure your vehicle has passed its MOT.
3. Make sure you have valid car insurance.
4. Have the correct payment ready.
5. Know your Vehicle Registration Number.
6. Apply by visiting the DVLA website or phone them on 0870 850 4444.
7. Wait for your new disc to arrive.
8. Put the up-to-date tax disc on the bottom-left your front windscreen.

For a more detailed insight into car tax, including information on exemptions, laws, prices and the current CO2 tax bands, visit our car tax guide.

4. Other legal checks

Tyres

Check your tyre pressure once a week and ensure the tyres aren't under or over inflated. Adjust the pressure to your car's correct amount, which can be found in your vehicle manual or by contacting your tyre manufacturer.

It's against the law if your tyres have a tread depth lower than 1.6mm – if they do, you'll be given a three point penalty and a £2,500 fine per tyre

It's recommended you replace them before there are around 2 to 3mm depth of tread left.

For more expert advice on checking and changing tyres, read our how to change a tyre feature.

Driving license

The police may ask to see this if they are suspicious of your driving behaviour or vehicle. If you cannot provide it within the time limit set by the police, you may be prosecuted.

Number plates

Having invalid or non-matching number plates attached to your vehicle is against the law, as is having none at all. If your number plates have been stolen, contact the police immediately.