This article was published on 16 March 2026. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

Being involved in a road accident is stressful enough. If you’re then told your car has been written off, it can raise a whole new set of questions. What does it actually mean? What happens next? And how does your car insurance help?

This step-by-step guide explains what happens when your car is written off, helping you understand the process and make informed decisions with confidence.

What Does “Written Off” Mean?

A car is written off when your insurer decides it’s either too damaged to repair safely or the cost of repairs is higher than the vehicle’s value. This decision is made after a professional assessment following an accident, fire, or flood damage.

Step 1: Your Car Is Assessed

Once you’ve made a claim, your insurer will arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. An engineer will assess the damage and estimate repair costs. They’ll compare this to the car’s pre-accident market value.

If repairing the car isn’t economical or safe, it will be classed as a write-off.

Step 2: Understanding Write-Off Categories

In the UK, written-off cars are placed into categories based on the severity of damage:

• Category A – Scrap only. The car is completely destroyed and must never return to the road.
• Category B – Break for parts. Some parts may be salvaged, but the car itself cannot be driven again.
• Category S – Structural damage. Repairable, but the structure has been affected.
• Category N – Non-structural damage. Repairable, with damage such as electrics or bodywork.

Categories S and N vehicles can return to the road once properly repaired and declared roadworthy.

Step 3: Your Insurance Payout

If your car is written off, your insurer will usually offer a cash settlement based on the car’s market value before the incident. This is not the price you paid originally, but what a similar vehicle would be worth at the time of the claim.

If you believe the valuation is too low, you can query it by providing evidence such as recent listings for comparable cars.

Step 4: What Happens to the Car?

Depending on the category, your insurer may keep the vehicle, or in some cases, you may be able to buy it back if it’s repairable. This is something to discuss directly with your insurer.

Step 5: Getting Back on the Road

Once your claim is settled, the focus shifts to replacing your vehicle. Having the right car insurance in place can make this transition smoother, offering reassurance during an already disruptive time.

Why Car Insurance Matters

For police officers, staff, and their families, reliable car insurance provides peace of mind, whether commuting to work or managing everyday life.

Visit Police Mutual Car Insurance to find out more and see what options are available.

Photo by Szymon Sas

This article was published on 2 February 2026. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

If you’re buying a car, especially a newer or higher-spec model, you may have heard mention of the luxury car tax and wondered whether it applies to you. Many drivers aren’t aware of this charge until it appears on their paperwork, and it can come as an unwelcome surprise.

Here’s a clear, simple guide to what the luxury car tax is, who needs to pay it, and how it could affect you. Whether you’re buying new, second hand, or considering an electric vehicle.

What is the luxury car tax?

The “luxury car tax” isn’t a separate tax as such. It’s the commonly used name for the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) expensive car supplement.

In simple terms, it’s an extra annual charge added to standard car tax if your vehicle had a list price of more than £40,000 when it was new.

This applies regardless of whether you bought the car outright, on finance, or second hand.

When was the luxury car tax introduced?

The expensive car supplement was introduced in April 2017 as part of changes to Vehicle Excise Duty rules in the UK.

Since then, many cars that don’t feel especially “luxurious”, such as family SUVs or well-specified estates, can still fall into this category due to higher list prices.

How much is the luxury car tax?

If your car qualifies, you’ll usually pay:

• An additional £450 per year (rate correct for 2024/25)
• For five years
• Starting from the second year the car is registered

This is on top of the standard VED rate.

So over five years, the supplement can add up to quite an additional amount, which is why it’s worth knowing about in advance.

Does it apply to second-hand cars?

Yes and this often catches people out.

The luxury car tax is based on the original list price, not the amount you paid. This means that even if you buy a used car for well under the £40,000, you may have to pay the supplement if the vehicle originally had a list price of £40,000 or more and is still within its five-year supplement period.

It’s always worth checking a car’s tax status before buying  

What about electric vehicles (EVs)?

Electric vehicles have historically been exempt from both standard VED and the luxury car tax, but this changed from April 2025.

From 1 April 2025:

• EVs started to pay Vehicle Excise Duty at levels dependent on the original registration date
• Electric cars with a list price over £40,000 were also subject to the luxury car tax

This is particularly relevant, as many EVs exceed the £40,000 threshold due to battery and technology costs.

In the November 2025 budget, the Government changed the list price (on the road car price) threshold at which the expensive car supplement applied from £40,000 to £50,000, but for electric cars only. This enables a much bigger proportion of new electric cars to be exempt, going forward.

These changes are effective from April 2026, but the change is retrospective for vehicles, meaning EV drivers who bought an electric car with a list price between £40,000 and £50,000 after 1 April 2025, will no longer have to pay the supplement.

Protecting what matters on the road

Whether you’re driving a brand-new car, a second-hand vehicle, or an electric model, having the right insurance in place is just as important as understanding the tax.

Police Mutual offers Car Insurance designed with the needs of police officers, staff, and their families in mind. To find out more and see if it’s right for you, take a look at our car insurance options today.

You can either call us on 0151 242 7640 or go online at policemutual.co.uk/car

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

This article was published on 8 January 2026. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more mainstream, many UK drivers are asking: Is now the right time to make the switch? From government grants to lower running costs, there are plenty of reasons to consider going electric. In this article, we’ll explore the current incentives, practical benefits, and how Police Mutual can support you with car insurance tailored to your needs.

Why Consider an Electric Car?

Electric cars offer a range of benefits that go beyond environmental impact:

• Lower running costs – Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, and EVs require less maintenance.
• Clean Air Zone exemptions – EVs are often exempt from charges in low-emission zones.
• Congestion Charge changes from 2026 – Until the end of 2025, battery-electric cars were fully exempt from the London Congestion Charge. From 2 January 2026, this full exemption has ended: electric cars now must pay the Congestion Charge but can receive a discounted rate (for example a 25 % discount via Auto Pay), meaning EVs will still pay less than petrol/diesel vehicles when driving in central London.
• Government grants – While some schemes have ended, others still offer support for home charging installations.

Current Incentives for UK Drivers

There are numerous electric car incentives available:

• Electric Car Grant

In July 2025 the government launched an Electric Car Grant to support the transition to zero emission vehicles and incentivise sustainable automotive manufacturing. The grant provides up to a max. of £3,750 off new cars.

• Home Charging Grants

The EV Chargepoint Grant offers up to £350 off the cost of installing a home charger, available to anyone who owns and lives in a flat or rents and lives in a residential property.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Many employers now offer EVs through salary sacrifice, allowing you to lease a car at a reduced cost while saving on tax and National Insurance.

• Reduced Benefit-in-Kind Tax

If you’re still working and considering an EV as a company car, the Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate is significantly lower for electric vehicles compared to petrol or diesel models.

Is It the Right Time for You?

Switching to an electric car is a personal decision, but with fuel prices remaining high and the UK’s plan for all cars to be 100% zero emission by 2035, now could be a smart time to make the move.

Protect Your EV with Police Mutual Car Insurance

Whether you’re already driving electric or just starting your journey, having the right insurance is essential. Police Mutual car insurance is designed with the police community in mind, giving you peace of mind and reliable cover.

For more information about Police Mutual car insurance and how you would benefit, visit our Car Insurance page here or call 0151 242 7640

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

This article was published on 08 December 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

As the UK Government moves toward phasing out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, we thought now was the perfect time to provide you with a refreshed guide to electric vehicles (EVs).

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)? 

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology official description is:

Electric Vehicles use electric motors to drive their wheels. They derive some or all of their power from large, rechargeable batteries. The distance an EV can drive between recharges is known as its range.

Let’s have a look at the different types and some of the names you might have heard of: 

• All-electric EVs – where the battery is the only power source. The range (distance they can travel) will vary, according to driving style, terrain and the use of auxiliary equipment such as heating/air conditioning.
• Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) -can switch between running on electricity, petrol or diesel. They typically have a smaller battery, and therefore a lower battery powered range of between 10-40 miles. However, their maximum range is equivalent to a petrol or diesel car. Both Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EVs are recharged by plugging them in to the electricity grid.
• Hybrids (HEVs) – which do not plug in, such as the Toyota Prius, have a much smaller battery which is recharged while driving. HEVs can drive in electric mode for a few miles and then revert to using petrol or diesel.
• Fuel Cell Vehicles -generate their own electricity on-board from a fuel such as hydrogen, and do not need to plug in to the electricity grid to recharge. Re-fuelling is similar to a petrol or diesel car.
  

Which type of EV is best for me? 

This is a personal choice and will be dependent on several factors including, affordability, the type and distance of journeys you make and charging infrastructure where you live.

According to a UK Government report, 99% of car journeys in England are under 100 miles, so most could be made by an EV without needing to recharge.

How much do EVs cost?

Currently EVs cost more to buy than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle. While they have fewer mechanical parts than conventional vehicles, battery prices are a substantial cost. Many modern EVs use lithium-ion batteries and it takes a lot of time and effort to turn raw lithium into something that can be used. Some manufacturers offer incentives and lease plans for the battery, so include this is your car purchase research.

Can I get any help with buying an EV from the Government?

Yes. The Government’s new Electric Car Grant launched in July 2025 and offers up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric car, helping more drivers make the switch. The initiative also supports sustainable manufacturing across the automotive sector. The grant is only available for vehicles that have been approved as eligible and the list of cars/vehicles eligible for the grant can be found here: Eligible Grant Vehicles. It’s worth noting that the list is regularly updated and you don’t need to apply for it – your car dealer or manufacturer will handle this for you.

Will I have to pay road tax (VED)?

Yes. Since 1 April 2025, EV’s have no longer been exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and have to pay an amount dependent on when the car was first registered and the list price, when it was new.

It is also worth noting that in the recent 2025 Budget, the Government announced that they will start to charge EV and PHEV owners, a “pay-per-mile” charge, from 1 April 2028. The consultation on this change has only just started, so look out for further information on this.

Vehicle range

While vehicle range isn’t an issue with hybrids, as they will run on petrol and diesel, in addition to electric, vehicle range has always been a concern for drivers. It’s therefore encouraging to hear that according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the average range of a new electric car on sale in the UK today is almost 300 miles. That’s up from 235 miles in 2024. Of course, some of this will be reflective of the driving conditions, roads and the way you drive, plus use of air conditioning and technology within the vehicle.

Charging points

The term “range anxiety” describes a very real fear of running out of battery and knowing where to charge it up.

While you can have a charger fitted at home, clearly there will be times when you need to recharge when out and about.

The good news is that the number of charging points is increasing. According to Zap Map the number of charging points grows by the day and at the end of October 2025, there were 86,798 electric charging points across 44,142 charging locations (UK only). Since October 2024 the public network has grown by 22%.

In October 2025, 777 new charging devices were added to the Zap-Map database. You can view local ones to you or your journey at zap map live – you might not have even known they were there!

What about insuring your EVs

Do I need specialist insurance?

The simple answer is no. Whilst you can buy specialist insurance for your EV, most major insurers now cover electric cars.

Does it cost more to insure an EV?

This can depend on the EV you choose, but according to wepoweryourcar.com, on average, insurance is more expensive than petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK.

This could be linked to expensive parts, higher repair costs and the availability of garages with qualified mechanics. While electric cars have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, some components like the lithium-ion batteries are very expensive to repair if damaged.

Insurance from Police Mutual

Police Mutual Car Insurance offers policies for a range of EVs. You don’t need to buy a special EV policy and you can get a quote in the usual way.

You can either call us on 0151 242 7640 or go online at policemutual.co.uk/car

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB.

For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

This article was published on 1 August 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

When it comes to car maintenance, two terms often cause confusion: MOT and car service. While they might seem similar, they serve very different purposes. So why not take a read of the Police Mutual guide to understand the differences and keep your vehicle safe, legal, and running smoothly.

What is an MOT Test?

An MOT test is a legal requirement in the UK for most vehicles over three years old. It’s an annual inspection that checks whether your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the government.

Think of it as a pass/fail test. If your car doesn’t meet the required standards, it fails the MOT and must be repaired before it can be driven again (except to a garage for repairs or a retest).

What’s checked during an MOT?

• Brakes and tyres
• Lights and indicators
• Windscreen wipers and washers
• Exhaust emissions
• Seatbelts and horn

You can’t legally drive without a valid MOT certificate (unless you’re on your way to a pre-booked test or repair), and doing so could invalidate your car insurance.

What is a car service?

A car service is a routine maintenance check recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Unlike an MOT, it’s not a legal requirement—but it’s essential for keeping your car in good condition and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

Types of car service

• Interim service (every 6 months or 6,000 miles)
• Full service (annually or every 12,000 miles)
• Major service (every 24 months or 24,000 miles)

Typical service tasks include:

• Oil and filter changes
• Brake fluid top-up
• Engine diagnostics
• Battery testing
• Suspension and steering inspection

Why you need both

Skipping a service because your MOT is up to date is a bit like skipping a health check because you feel fine. One checks for problems; the other helps prevent them.

Regular servicing can help you:

• Avoid costly repairs
• Improve safety and performance
• Extend your vehicle’s lifespan

And when it comes to insurance claims, a well-maintained car can make the process smoother.

Now what about Car Insurance?

If you don’t have car insurance with us, why not get a quote?

Unlike many insurance policies, you can spread the annual cost into monthly payments at no extra cost, letting you budget over the long term. There is also no need to wait for your renewal – switch today and you’ll receive cancellation fees up to the value of £125 that might be charged by your existing insurer.

For more information about our car insurance and how you would benefit, visit our Car Insurance page here or call 0151 242 7640

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

This article was published on 19 June 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

Top tips for cheaper motoring

According to NimbleFins,[1] in 2025, the average cost of running a car in the UK is over £3,350, per year.  Find out how you could potentially reduce how much your car costs you.

Reduce servicing costs

Although garage servicing costs can be high, you may be able to save money on servicing by shopping around. But this doesn’t mean avoiding getting your car serviced. Minor repairs left to get worse may become very expensive to repair. Also, stick to the servicing intervals recommended by the car manufacturer and always keep a full service history to help maintain the value of your car.

Take care of your tyres

You can prolong your tyres’ life by taking proper care of them:

• Ensure that they are correctly inflated as over or under-inflated tyres aren’t only dangerous, they will wear out more quickly and will increase your fuel consumption.
• Check the tread for any foreign matter such as stones that might have lodged there.
• Consider having your wheels aligned; badly aligned wheels can double tyre wear rate.

While it’ll save you money by making your tyres last as long as possible, you must never drive on damaged tyres. Tyres must not have less than the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the width of the tyre, with many experts recommending a minimum of 3mm.

Clear out your car

Many people use their car boots as a dumping ground for all manner of items. The heavier your load, the more fuel you will use – which will make a big difference over time.

Think about your driving style

The way we drive can make a huge difference to fuel consumption. Fuel-Economy.co.uk [2] are one of many websites that provide a fuel calculator, free of charge. You may be able to calculate yours here, but please note that any information is only provided as a guide.

Every car has an optimal fuel efficiency typically around 30 mph to 50 mph, which is dependent on vehicle type. Increasing your cruising speed from 55 mph to 75 mph can raise fuel consumption as much as 20%!

Other ways in which you can improve your fuel efficiency are:

• Drive smoothly, accelerate and decelerate gently.
• Avoid unnecessary braking by keeping a reasonable distance from the car in front and reading the road.
• Avoid unnecessary stopping and starting in queues – try to keep your car rolling but avoid slipping the clutch.
• Change gear sooner but avoid labouring the engine.
• Reduce the amount you use your air conditioning as it can increase your fuel consumption. However, be sure to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations about running it periodically.
• Electrical loads increase fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, defoggers and headlights. Of course, only if safe to do so.
• If your car is modern and has start-stop technology, make sure it’s activated. This will help reduce fuel consumption when you’re sat in a queue.

Keep your car aerodynamic

Car manufacturers make big efforts to improve the aerodynamics of their design to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. But if you leave roof bars and roof boxes on when you’re not using them, you won’t be helping your fuel economy.

Reduce CO2 to keep car tax down

If you’re looking to buy a new car, opt for one with low CO2 emissions and you’ll pay a lower first year rate in Vehicle Excise Duty. You’ll find CO2 emissions information on the car’s V5C registration document.

Cars such as electric vehicles which emit ZERO CO2 used to be fully exempt from vehicle tax, in year 1 and subsequent years, but this changed from 1 April 2025. Vehicle Excise Duty is now payable on these types of vehicles. You can find more information at [3] GOV.UK Vehicle tax rates

For cars, the first year’s charge can range from £10 to £5,490 dependent on the level of emissions. The second time the vehicle is taxed, and subsequent years, the standard rate is currently £195.

Vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000

You have to pay an extra £425 a year if you have a car with a list price of more than £40,000.

You do not have to pay this if both of the following apply:

• you have a zero emission vehicle
• the vehicle was registered before 1 April 2025

The list price is the published price of the vehicle before it’s registered for the first time. It’s the price before any discounts are applied.

To calculate your vehicle tax rate, use the Vehicle Certification Agency’s calculator.

Winter-proof your car

It might be a little early to be thinking about autumn and winter, but these are the worst times of year for car breakdowns and insurance claims. Ensuring that that your car is ready to cope with the winter months, could help avoid inconvenient and potentially costly events later on. Below are just a couple of suggestions:

• Lights – Make sure that lights are clean and working as a dirty head light can severely reduce your ability to see the road in front. 
• Screenwash – It is always dangerous to drive with a dirty windscreen, but even more so with the low winter sun when there is a high risk of being dazzled in the mornings and late afternoons. Keep your windscreen clean at all times and ensure that your screenwash is topped up regularly.
• De-icer – De-ice before you set off. Make sure that you remove ice from your windows and mirrors before you set off, so allow a little extra time for doing so. Keep de-icer and an ice scraper handy.
• Battery – Car batteries are heavily used in the winter months, so ensure that yours is in good condition. If you haven’t changed it recently, get it checked out and replace it before it lets you down.
• Winter tyres – Not compulsory in the UK, but they are in several other European countries, so think about this if you are travelling abroad. Winter tyres are made using a different compound which gives a better grip in the cold and uses a different tread pattern which is safer when driving on snow. They are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and may well be worth considering.

Now what about Car Insurance?

If you don’t have car insurance with us, why not get a quote?

Unlike many insurance policies, you can spread the annual cost into monthly payments at no extra cost, letting you budget over the long term. There is also no need to wait for your renewal – switch today and you’ll receive cancellation fees up to the value of £125 that might be charged by your existing insurer.

For more information about our car insurance and how you would benefit, click here or call 0151 242 7640

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

[1] NimbleFins – Average Cost to Run a Car UK 2025

[2] Fuel-Economy.co.uk Fuel Calculators

[3] GOV.UK Vehicle tax rates