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Jonathan Westwood

Chief Compliance Officer

Jonathan Westwood | Author

Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Eduardo Rodrigues | Author

Claudia Tuñón

Claudia Tuñón | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

MOT and servicing – they often come up at the same time, especially when it’s time for your annual garage visit. But they’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference can save you money, time, and stress. Let’s break it all down: what an MOT involves, what a car service includes, and why both are essential for keeping your car road-ready. 

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

If your vehicle doesn’t pass its MOT test, you can’t legally drive it, and you could be fined up to £1,000 for doing so. MOTs are all about road safety and making sure your vehicle isn’t emitting more pollution than allowed by emissions standards.

Did you know? Nearly 10 million cars failed their MOTs in 2024 – 

An MOT checks for everything that affects a car’s safety, legality, and emissions, including:

A car service is a routine check-up that keeps your vehicle in good condition. Unlike an MOT, a service isn’t required by law, though skipping it can lead to bigger (more expensive) problems later on. 

There are different types of service, depending on your service schedule and mileage. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:

These service items help maintain your car’s condition, boost reliability, and keep your car aligned with manufacturer standards. Skipping them can reduce your fuel efficiency and increase the chance of breakdowns.

MOT vs service: What’s the actual difference?

 from Bumper splits the cost of MOT and service work into manageable 0% interest instalments. 

 at one of our 5000+ partnered garages to keep your car in good condition without breaking the bank.

Yes, you do need to keep on top of all MOTs and servicing because: 

Even if your MOT passes, you might still need a service to stay ahead of wear and tear. And if you only service your car but skip the MOT, you risk driving a car that isn’t roadworthy.

If you’re unsure when you should book your next MOT or service, here’s a quick guide: 

If possible, book them together. Not only does this save time, but it can also get you a better deal on each.

Stay road-ready and stress-free with Bumper’s car repair finance

Need an MOT and service but dreading the bill? With Bumper, you can split the 

 into handy, interest-free payments. Whether it’s your annual service, MOT, or an unexpected repair, our 

 helps you stay in control and on the road. Join thousands of drivers and take the sting out of your car upkeep. 

An MOT test usually takes around 45–60 minutes if no repairs are needed. A car service can take 1–3 hours, depending on whether it’s an interim, full, or major service. If carried out together, allow half a day to complete both, especially if issues are found.

 for cars. A service varies depending on the type:

Booking both together often saves money compared to separate visits.

Yes. Electric cars still require an MOT after three years, just like petrol or diesel cars, to ensure safety and roadworthiness. While EVs don’t need oil changes or exhaust checks, they do need servicing for brakes, tyres, suspension, battery health, and software updates to keep them running safely and efficiently.

The difference between MOT and service

If you’re struggling to pay for car repairs, or are in dispute with a garage about the service provided, this article explains your rights, responsibilities and how to deal with the threat of a garage keeping hold of your car for non-payment. 

As consumers we all have a significant level of rights and privileges that serve to protect us in purchases, and it’s best to be armed with a good knowledge of the legal obligations of both yourself and the garage carrying out the work. 

 states that: Under the laws of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, garages have to provide work to your car that is: 

If you believe that these conditions are not met, there may be some further steps you can take - the first step however is to communicate as best you can, with the garage, laying out your issues with their service. 

What to try first - how to mediate yourself 

If you find yourself confused with a large repair bill, or want some form of compensation or remuneration for the inconvenience caused by a garage, it’s often better to discuss with the garage first before resorting to legal action. 

Stating your consumer rights might be necessary, but it’s often better to talk through the problem first with the manager, to identify their side of the story. Be polite and friendly, and try not to accuse the garage of any wrongdoing straight away. 

You may find a reasonable explanation for the large bill, or the garage being a bit more willing to discuss options for fixing the dispute. 

A fairly common complaint with some garages is finding additional costs on your bill, for work you were not aware of. There are guidelines around how a garage should proceed with unforeseen breakages. 

If an issue is particularly complex, or you simply need your car back no matter what, giving general instructions to fix a problem is the easiest for the garage. This can include diagnosis, parts, labour and testing. 

An example would be if your brakes are underperforming. If the garage has instructions to “fix the issue with the brakes”, it is reasonable to assume they will take them apart, find the fault, purchase the required parts (from a supplier of their choice), and fit them. 

In this case, it is hard for the consumer to find fault with the cost of the parts, or the extent of time taken to diagnose and repair - as long as it is reasonable. 

However, if you have a little more time, and want to keep an eye on the costs, you can advise the garage with specific instructions. An example of this would be: “Diagnose the issue and prepare a quotation for remedial work to the vehicle's brakes”. 

This work may still be chargeable, as often problems need some level of disassembly to identify the fault, but once the fault is known, the garage should not do any more chargeable work. 

If you have instructed a garage on this basis, and they have gone on to buy or fit parts, without your instruction, they have not abided by the authorisation terms. 

What to do if the garage has not fixed the fault 

If you have trusted a garage to find and fix a fault, but it is still present, you may have grounds for complaint, unless the garage can prove that the new fault is a separate issue, or outside of the scope of work authorised. 

If a new fault has developed, speak to the garage immediately, and if possible book it in with the expressed notification that you require them to inspect their previous work, and you are not to be billed for any more diagnostic time. 

Bear in mind that due to the complexity of many systems, it’s possible that the new fault was not directly caused by the garage, and is the result of deferred repairs. 

Can a mechanic keep my car if I refuse to pay? 

In a word, yes. In the UK until a bill has been paid the garage can keep the car as a “Lien”, which is the right to keep the property until a debt is paid. 

It’s a necessary tool for garages to have, as once the work is completed, they have no power to ensure payment by the customer. 

The waters are muddied slightly if the work carried out is in dispute over any of the issues we’ve already discussed, including quality, price or time, where you may want and need your car back as soon as possible, but don’t want to accept the work completed by paying the bill. 

One way to get your car back, but not forgo the right to contest the level of service provided, is to pay the bill as ‘under protest’. This way the payment of the bill is not a marker of you agreeing with the transaction, if the complaint was to be elevated. 

Can a garage sell my car for non-payment? 

Whilst the garage is allowed to prevent you from collecting your car if you don’t pay, their ability to sell the car to recover costs is not as straightforward. 

 states the garage is not allowed to sell the car whilst the payment is in dispute. 

What if you can't afford the car repair? 

Sometimes car repairs take you by surprise and appear at the worst of times. If you’re worried about how to cover a large car repair bill, Bumper may have the solution for you. 

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, from hundreds of approved partners across the country. Spread out your car repair bill by paying in instalments with 

To get started, enter your registration and postcode to 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Can a Garage Keep My Car For Nonpayment? 

Starter motor replacement costs usually sit around £300 to £500 for UK drivers in 2026.

In this blog post, we'll tell you the average cost of a starter motor replacement in the UK, costs per popular makes and models, and provide tips on extending your starter motor's life. Scroll down to become an expert on starter motor repair now.

How much does a starter motor replacement cost?

The cost of replacing a starter motor in the UK can range from £300 to £500 depending on the make and model of the car. 

This variation is mainly due to differences in parts pricing, labour time, and how accessible the starter motor is within the engine bay. 

Prices can also sit lower for smaller, more common vehicles, while premium brands or more complex engine layouts tend to push costs toward the higher end of the range.

Average starter motor replacement cost by car model

Here are the average costs based on the most popular vehicle brands in the UK based on 2026 averages.

If you're worried about an expensive car repair bill, then Bumper could help. Split the cost with 

Average starter motor replacement cost by UK location

Starter motor repair costs in the UK vary depending on where you live. This is due to labour costs, parts and materials availability, and service demand. 

 Bumper reminds you to take into account the make and model of your car, too!

Below you’ll find averages per UK region in 2026.

Can a starter motor be repaired or does it need replacing?

In some cases, a starter motor can be repaired, but this depends on the nature of the fault.

Minor issues such as worn brushes, corroded connections, or faulty wiring can sometimes be fixed without replacing the entire unit.

However, in most modern vehicles, starter motors are replaced rather than repaired because:

This means the majority of starter motor issues end up requiring a full replacement, which is why understanding the typical cost range is important when planning a repair.

Why is starter motor replacement so expensive?

Starter motor replacement can feel expensive because it involves both parts and labour-intensive work.

Even though the starter motor itself may not be extremely expensive, the labour required to remove surrounding components is what pushes the total cost into the £300 – £500 range for most UK vehicles.

Starter motors power the combustion engine. They are like the electric motors that turn your engine on when you switch the ignition.

The starter motor requires a lot of torque to turn the engine at such fast speeds, pulling fuel and air into the cylinders to compress them simultaneously.

The starter is found on the driver's side of the engine. Typically, it's just beneath the left bank of cylinders.

How do you know if your starter motor has gone?

There are a few key signs your starter motor has gone.

If your car won't start and you hear a clicking sound when trying to turn it on, the most likely cause of this is a dead starter motor.

In addition to hearing a clicking noise, you might smell something burning from under the hood. This is typically caused by an electrical short in the starter motor, which can be due to wear and tear over time.

Here’s a complete list of signs your starter motor has broken:

Replacing the starter motor will usually solve these issues, but it comes at a cost, so make sure you know how much it may cost before committing to any repairs.

Common starter motor problems are caused by age and faulty parts. Here’s a quick overview of other possible causes:

If you suspect your vehicle has any of these issues, consult a garage for professional advice.

average lifespan of a starter motor is around 5 years or 50,000 miles

. However, this can vary depending on how 

 your car is and how much wear and tear your starter motor experiences.

Can you extend your starter motor’s life?

Yes, you can and should check and maintain your starter motor. This keeps you safe while on the road and protects your finances from surprise repair costs.

To extend the life of your starter motor, you can:

Can you jump start a car with a faulty starter motor?

A jump start can help if your car won’t start due to a weak or flat battery, but it won’t fix a faulty starter motor. 

Both issues can result in the engine failing to turn over, but if the starter motor is the problem, you may still hear a clicking sound or nothing at all when you try to start the car, even after jump starting. 

In this case, the issue isn’t power supply from the battery, but the starter motor’s inability to engage the engine.

 If your car starts after a jump start, the battery is more likely the issue. If it still refuses to start, the starter motor could be at fault.

Starter motor vs battery problems: How to tell the difference

Starter motor and battery issues often produce very similar symptoms, which is why they are frequently confused.

A starter motor issue, on the other hand, often includes:

How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter motor?

to replace a starter motor. This time may differ depending on the garage and your car model.

To access the starter motor, components like the battery, alternator, and engine covers often need to be removed, which can take time depending on the vehicle layout. 

Once exposed, the faulty starter can be replaced and the new unit connected to the wiring system and secured in place.

After installation, a final check of surrounding components is recommended to ensure everything is working correctly and no related parts have been affected.

What happens if you ignore a faulty starter motor?

Ignoring a faulty starter motor will not affect your car while it is running, but it will eventually lead to starting failure at the worst possible time.

Over time, symptoms usually become more frequent until the car fails to start completely and requires emergency repairs.

In some cases, continued attempts to start the vehicle can also place extra strain on the battery and electrical system, potentially increasing overall repair costs.

For this reason, Bumper urges readers to address starter motor issues early rather than waiting for a complete failure.

Can you replace a starter motor yourself?

While it is technically possible to replace a starter motor yourself, it is generally not recommended unless you have strong mechanical experience.

Mistakes can lead to further damage or incorrect installation, which may prevent the car from starting at all. If in doubt, call a mechanic!

Does insurance cover starter motor replacement?

In most cases, standard car insurance does not cover starter motor replacement, as it is considered a mechanical wear-and-tear issue rather than accidental damage.

Some breakdown or extended warranty products may include starter motor faults, so it’s worth checking your specific policy details before getting in contact with a garage.

Is it safe to drive with a faulty starter motor?

Once a vehicle is running, you don’t rely on the starter motor, so there’s usually no immediate danger if it fails while driving. 

However, once you stop, you may struggle to restart the engine because starting requires more power than normal operation.

We don’t recommend relying on workarounds like bump-starting or parking on slopes. A faulty starter motor should always be properly repaired or replaced to ensure reliable starting.

Replacing a starter motor can be expensive, but with 

, you can extend its life and reduce the need for costly repairs.

Researching potential car repairs is no one’s idea of a good time, but we hope this blog has made your starter motor repair easier to understand. Consider shopping around for different rates before settling on one garage, and make sure your vehicle is 100% road-safe before you drive.

Here at Bumper, we know a hefty car repair bill for a starter motor is probably the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as these are crucial for you and your family’s safety.

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. Apply for 

Join the Bumper community and get access to the best care for you and your car. Choose a dependable dealership and split your repair bill into monthly chunks.

How much does a starter motor replacement cost? (2026)

How Much Does A Starter Motor Replacement Cost?

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Wie viel kostet ein neuer Anlasser?

With the vast number of cars on the road nowadays, collisions are sometimes unavoidable. Apart from the risk of injury, there's also the inconvenience of being without a car while it's being repaired and the difficulty of dealing with insurance providers. 

If your car has been in an accident and is unable to be repaired, it will be ‘written off’ by the insurance company. So, what happens if your car is written off while on finance? And what if it's not your fault? 

In this article, we'll discuss insurance write-offs and all the different types, along with examining each scenario so you know what to do should the worst happen after a pcp car accident. Scroll down to get the lowdown in minutes. 

An insurance write-off, also known as a total loss, is a determination made by an insurance company that the cost to repair a vehicle following an accident is greater than the vehicle's value. In other words, the car is deemed beyond repair and not worth fixing. 

When an insurance company writes off a car, it is usually due to one of three reasons: 

If you have a big repair bill that can’t be funded by insurance, split the car repair into interest-free monthly installments. With Bumper, you can apply for up to £5,000 and see a list of local dependable garages near you.

Are there different kinds of car write-offs? 

Yes, there are multiple categories of write-offs. Insurance companies use these to assess the damage. 

The four classifications used up to October 1, 2017, were A, B, C, and D, with the severity of the damage descending by category starting with A. 

After consideration, the ABI revised the salvage rule to emphasise structural problems that compromise safety rather than just the expense of repairs. These days, the categories are A, B, S, and N. 

Cars that are severely damaged ought to be crushed and never be seen again on the road. Even parts that can be salvaged must be destroyed. 

Crushing the body shell is required. Despite some pieces being salvageable, there has been considerable damage. The car should never be driven again. However, salvaged pieces can be used in other vehicles that go on roads. 

Category S (Structurally Damaged but Repairable) 

This might involve a twisted or bent chassis or a collapsed crumple zone during a collision. A professional repair is required because Category S damage goes beyond mere cosmetic issues. Until the repair is complete, driving won't be safe. 

Category N (Not Structurally Damaged, Repairable) 

For vehicles that haven't suffered structural damage, the problem may be merely cosmetic or an electric issue. However, don't assume these vehicles can be driven. Non-structural issues can affect the brakes, steering, or other safety-related components. 

What happens if your car is written off while paying finance? 

If your car is written off while you are still paying finance, the outcome can depend on the type of finance agreement you have. The two main types are HP and PCP. 

Firstly, you should contact your lender and inform them as soon as possible. They’ll be able to give you your personalised options. 

Generally, if you have a hire purchase (HP) agreement in which you own the vehicle from the start of the finance term, the insurance payout will go to you. So, unfortunately, you will be responsible for paying off any outstanding finance. 

With a personal contract purchase (PCP) agreement, you don’t own the car until the end of the finance term. In this case, the vehicle will typically be returned to the financing institution.

However, you will still be responsible for making the monthly finance payments until the end of the agreement. Any payout from the insurance company will be used to pay off the outstanding finance.

​​If your car is written off while you are still paying finance, you must go through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs. You may be able to dispute the value of the write-off. Or convince the insurer that the value of the car is worth repairing. 

If successful, this can mean paying for repairs yourself. Alternatively, you can buy the car back and repair it. Other options include clearing the outstanding balance on your finance agreement or purchasing a new car with the insurance money.

If my car is written off what happens to my insurance? 

If your car is written off, your insurance policy will still be in effect. You will also still need to pay any remaining premium.

However, the policy will be adjusted to reflect the fact that your car is no longer driveable. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay out the value of the vehicle minus any policy excess. 

Do you still need to make monthly finance payments if your car is written off? 

You must still make any remaining monthly finance payments even if your car is written off. 

You must do this until the finance agreement is settled. It is essential to review the terms of your finance agreement to understand your obligations in this situation. 

What should you do once your car is written off? 

If your car is written off, you should contact your insurance company to begin the claim process. They will provide you with instructions on how to proceed.

Afterwards, you should inform the finance company about the write-off and follow their process. You may also wish to consider purchasing a replacement vehicle. You can do this by continuing with the finance or lease agreement or purchasing a new car outright. 

Generally speaking, whether your car is a Category S or Category N write-off, you have one of two options:

Can I scrap my car with outstanding finance? 

If you have outstanding finances on your car, you must pay off the remaining balance before you can scrap the vehicle. 

This is because the lender (such as a bank or financing company) is still interested in the car. The interest will need to be paid off before the car can be sold or scrapped. 

If you scrap the car without paying off the outstanding finance, the lender may take legal action against you. This is to recover the remaining balance. It's essential to check your loan agreement. 

What if my car is damaged but not written off? 

If your car is damaged but not written off, you have a few options for what to do next: 

Car written off on finance - The bottom line

Understanding your finance agreement is vital when a car on finance is written off. Review your policy, contact your insurance, and then contact the finance agency. This way, you’ve notified all agencies and can navigate the situation effectively.

Hopefully, we’ve ended your “car on finance written off, not my fault” search. If you need help covering car repair 

s zero-interest credit on car repairs is a great way to spread payments into manageable lumps. 

To get started, enter your reg and postcode to find out where your nearest participating Bumper car repair finance garage is.

Car On Finance Written Off But It's Not Your Fault?

We are thrilled to announce we have achieved a 

 in the UK and Turkey. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace, where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed. 

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