Our free online service which has been created to remind you when your vehicle is due its next MOT test and/or service.
We will send you an email reminder, 1 month, 2 weeks or 1 week before your MOT and/or Service due date.
Simply login to your account, delete your current vehicle and add your current registered vehicle.
Simply login to your account and amend the date or your reminder period.
Yes, simply login to your account and edit your personal details, delete a vehicle or add a new vehicle.
A manufacturer will issue a safety recall when it discovers a safety defect that affects a number of vehicles. Manufacturers will then notify owners of vehicles that may be affected by the safety defect.
If you are concerned that your vehicle has been listed in a recall but have not received any confirmation we would recommend that you contact your local authorised dealer. From your registration or VIN the dealer will be able to advise whether there are any outstanding recall actions on your vehicle.
In the unlikely event that the dealer is unable to assist, we would advise that you contact the manufacturer who will be able to investigate your concerns and advise you further.
If you still have a concern following the above action you may wish to contact the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) who are responsible for recalls and road safety issues.
Website: www.vosa.gov.ukSearch the VOSA Recall Database:
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.aspYou should first contact your nearest authorised dealer for the problem to be identified. If the concern relates to the recall completed on the vehicle then the dealer should rectify this without any cost to the consumer. However should the problem not be related then the dealer may charge for this unless it is covered under the terms and conditions of any manufacturer’s or extended warranty.
A new vehicle warranty will be supplied with all UK specification vehicles purchased through a UK authorised dealer. The warranty will usually cover the vehicle for a set period of time or up to a maximum mileage. (Please check your warranty booklet or with your authorised dealer for the cover on your vehicle)
The aim of the warranty is to cover the cost of those components which fail as a result of a manufacturing defect during the warranty period. It will therefore exclude those items which are subject to normal wear and tear, such as brake pads and those that have failed as the result of driver negligence, abuse or error. (Please check the terms and conditions within your warranty)
No, repair work undertaken outside the approved dealer network may invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Any new car that is sold within any member country of the European Union has a one year manufacturer's pan-European warranty, although some manufacturers have now extended this to two or even three years.
The pan-European warranty will be honoured at any of the manufacturer’s UK authorised dealers, but will not include an extended or dealer warranty, which can normally be purchased separately from your local dealer.
It is very important to check the warranty provisions with the importer to ensure that you will receive the full benefit of the pan-European warranty. The warranty on a vehicle which is not imported through a UK authorised dealer may have commenced at the point of sale to the third party importer and therefore you may not receive the full period of the pan-European warranty.
There is no legal obligation on a manufacturer/dealer to supply their customers with a courtesy vehicle. A courtesy vehicle may be supplied by an authorised dealer as a discretionary service and therefore we would recommend contacting the dealer to request a courtesy vehicle before booking your vehicle in for the necessary service or rectification work.
Furthermore, the dealer is within their rights to charge a fee for this service, which in most cases is to cover the insurance cost of the courtesy vehicle.
Unfortunately part delays occasionally occur; this can be for a number of reasons such as, raw material supply problems, problems with the part manufacturer, quality issues with a particular batch or the need to develop a modified component to address an identified issue.
If you are concerned by any delay we would recommend that you initially contact the dealer from whom you ordered the part(s) to ascertain the cause of the delay and to establish if anything can be done to address the issue.
If the dealer is unable to provide you an expected delivery date we would advise that you contact the customer services department of the relevant manufacturer.
In the first instance you would complain to the selling dealership. The complaint, preferably in writing should be addressed to a senior executive, director, or the proprietor of the selling dealer.
If the dealership is unable to resolve the matter you should take the complaint directly to the customer relations department of the manufacturer concerned. If the manufacturer is unable to resolve a complaint you may contact or be referred by the manufacturer to the Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service.
To submit a complaint or enquiry to the Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service
Conciliation is a dispute resolution process which, under the Code, aims to resolve disputes between a consumer and subscriber. The Code Advisory and Conciliation Service will investigate a consumer complaint and assess whether there has been any breach of the Code. The Code Advisory and Conciliation Service aim to resolve complaints to the satisfaction of both parties and in a speedy fashion with as little disruption to the consumer as possible.
If a case remains unresolved or there is a difference of opinion that cannot be satisfactorily addressed through conciliation, the case can be referred to independent arbitration.
The result of an arbitration hearing will be the conclusion of a case and legally binding on both parties, the results of which will be assessed to determine whether any Code compliance issues have been raised and to consider if any Code amendments are required to address any specific problems. Arbitration is legally binding, and there are only limited circumstances where a case already considered under the terms of the Arbitration Act can then proceed to court.
There is no fee involved to use the Conciliation service.
There is a fee if you decide to refer the case to Arbitration and this would depend on how much you are claiming for.
You have the choice of having your vehicle serviced at an authorised dealer or with an independent garage. However, if you choose to have the vehicle serviced outside of the authorised dealer network you must ensure that the service is completed in accordance with the manufacturers recommended service intervals and servicing criteria. You also need to retain proof of the service as this may be requested in the event of any warranty claim.
The recommended guidelines and service intervals will be provided within your service literature pack. We would strongly recommend that you read all of this information and seek clarification from the manufacturer if you are unsure on any particular point.
Issues relating to new car warranties are covered by the Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. You can view a copy of the Code from the website.
Alternatively contact the Codes Advisory and Conciliation service on 0800 692 0825.
The Sale of Goods Act 1979 states “Goods will be of satisfactory quality if they meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as being satisfactory, taking into account any description of the goods, the price (if relevant) and all the other relevant circumstances.”
The quality of the goods includes its state and condition, fitness for usual purpose, appearance and finish, freedom from minor defects, safety and durability.
This standard is implied in the sale of goods, but will not include those matters which are drawn to the buyer’s attention at the point of sale or those matters which ought to have been revealed by an inspection, if conducted by the buyer before the contract is made.
Can I reject my vehicle?
Rejection of a vehicle is very difficult. A consumer can attempt to reject their vehicle if it fails to be of satisfactory quality (please see preceding question) and is initiated within a reasonable period of time.
A reasonable period of time refers to the period of time in which the consumer could be expected to have examined the vehicle and discover any discoverable defects. What is reasonable will depend upon the facts of each case.
If you do wish to reject your vehicle then you will need to stop using it immediately and inform the selling dealer and/or finance company of your intention to reject the vehicle. This should preferably be in writing.
We would suggest that you seek advice from your solicitor, or contact you local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards office before attempting to reject your vehicle or if you have any problems rejecting your vehicle.
Consumers may be entitled to reject their goods and obtain a full refund where the goods are not of satisfactory quality, providing that they attempt to reject the goods within a reasonable period of time.
Retailers are not legally obligated to replace faulty goods. The myth that consumers are legally entitled to have faulty goods replaced has grown from the practice of high street stores offering to exchange any faulty goods by way of customer relations goodwill and not because of any legal obligation to do so.
However consumers who purchase goods after 1st April 2003 benefit from some additional legal remedies as a result of recent changes to consumer legislation by the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002. Consumers now have the right to require the seller to repair or replace their goods if they do not conform to the contract. Consumers should be aware that the seller is not obliged to effect a repair or replacement if the cost is disproportionate to the cost of carrying out another remedy, if the required remedy is impossible, or if it is not capable of being delivered within a reasonable period of time. If the goods cannot be repaired or replaced the consumer can require the seller to reduce the purchase price by an appropriate amount or rescind the contract.
It is important to note that the new rights under the regulations only apply to consumer sales, which are contracts where a natural person, is acting outside their trade, business or profession.
Compensation or damages is another remedy provided for under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. If the right to reject or replace your vehicle has been lost, but the vehicle has become of unsatisfactory quality due to an inherent fault, a consumer may be able to make a claim against the seller and/or finance company for compensation for losses that you have incurred.
We would suggest that you seek advice from your solicitor, or contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards office before attempting to seek compensation or if you have problems in obtaining compensation.
Your contract of sale is with the selling dealer or finance company, if the vehicle was purchased on finance. This contract will be governed by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 or the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002.
In addition to your statutory rights, your vehicle may, depending on age have a warranty agreement with the relevant manufacturer. This agreement is a guarantee from the manufacturer to repair the vehicle if it suffers a failure as a result of a manufacturing or material defect.
Any claim to reject the vehicle, have the vehicle replaced or requests for compensation should be directed to the selling dealer/finance company and not the manufacturer of the vehicle.
If you wish to make a complaint regarding the service you have received from a franchised dealer you should initially address your complaint to the managing director/owner. Should you be dissatisfied with their response you should escalate any complaint to the customer services department of the manufacturer concerned who may be able to assist.
If your complaint relates to any garage in the UK, including authorised dealers, you may also refer your complaint under our Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service & Repair, providing it is against a subscribing garage. Further information regarding the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service & Repair can be found on this website or call the Consumer Advice line on 0800 692 0825. Alternatively you may wish to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or your local Solicitor.
Once you pay a deposit you have entered into a legally binding contract. Should you subsequently decide to cancel the contract the dealer/garage is within their rights to keep a reasonable sum of the deposit to cover any expenses they may have incurred. This position is of course subject to the provision of any term in the contract which states otherwise, such as a cooling off period.
The closing of your selling dealer will not affect the manufacturer’s warranty applicable to your new vehicle. This warranty is supplied by the manufacturer and therefore you are able to have the service and any warranty repair work completed at any of the manufacturer’s UK authorised dealers.
However, this position may affect your rights under the contract of sale with the selling dealer and subsequently your legal rights against that dealer if you have a need to seek redress under the law.
If the dealer remains in operation, but is no longer authorised by the manufacturer your contract of sale may remain in force and your legal rights may be unaltered.
If the dealer has closed, has been sold or has gone into administration it may prove very difficult or impossible to enforce your legal rights.
Alternatively, if you have purchased your vehicle from a dealer who is part of a multinational dealer group your contract may be with the group, rather than an individual dealer, therefore you may be able to exercise your legal rights against the group.
Of course if you purchased the vehicle under a finance agreement the finance company is legally responsible for the quality of your vehicle and therefore you will be entitled to pursue your legal rights against the finance company.
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars sets out the standards that vehicle manufacturers comply with regarding new car sales, new car warranties, availability of replacement parts, advertising and complaints handling. The Code details promises given by vehicle manufacturers and contains guidance to assist the consumer.
Copies of the Code can be obtained from vehicle manufacturers or can be downloaded from this website. Download the Code.
The Brief Guide is a leaflet companion to the Code. It contains basic information on the Code, the Consumer Advice Line and Conciliation and Arbitration. It also the Consumer Survey.
Most manufacturers put the brief guide into the new car literature pack of their new cars. Copies of the brief guide can also be obtained from vehicle manufacturers or can be downloaded from this website. Download the Brief Guide.
The Consumer Survey is contained within the Brief Guide and can be completed and returned to the Motor Codes. The feedback received from the Consumer Survey provides Motor Codes with information on each subscriber's performance and is a further tool to help gauge a Subscriber's overall performance and compliance with the Code.
A combination of methods is used to ensure that all subscribers comply with the Code. The following methods are used to ensure compliance.
The Consumer Survey is a free post, tear off survey in the Brief Guide that you can complete.
We monitor subscribers' performance in responding to complaints and enquiries and how they interact with our Code Advisory and Conciliation Service.
To ensure that poor subscribers do not tarnish the good reputation of the Code, subscribers that perform poorly will incur penalty points. If Subscribers reach set levels of points a series of progressive sanctions will be triggered, which can ultimately result in expulsion from the Code.
The Code is monitored by the Independent Compliance Assessment Panel (ICAP) who in turn is monitored by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). ICAP use information from the Consumer Survey, compliance checks and consumer enquiries/complaints to monitor the effectiveness of the Code and individual subscribers' performance.
This includes providing quarterly reports and an annual report to the OFT and determining what, if any penalties, or sanctions should be taken against Subscribers who fail to correct a breach or who are seen to be in persistent, or serious breach of the Code. ICAP is independent of the sector.
If your issues relates to the extended warranty policy and policy provider then you your compliant may be covered by the SMMT Code of Practice for Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Schemes. Contact the conciliation Service on 0800 692 0825.
Fuel consumption figures are produced per regulatory requirements by vehicle manufacturers to give consumers an indication of fuel consumption between different vehicle makes and models. They are not indicative of the precise mileage which the vehicle will achieve on the road.
The fuel consumption figures are obtained under highly controlled conditions to ensure uniformity across all tested vehicles. These conditions do not take into account real world factors which will affect the fuel consumption. Factors such as the weight the vehicle is carrying, driving style and extra feature use such as air conditioning will all affect the real world figure a vehicle achieves.
There is no obligation for manufacturers to sign up to the Code and is entirely voluntary.
Over 99% of all new cars sold in the UK are covered by the Code, so the majority of vehicle manufacturers subscribe to the Code. Full list here
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for VWP aims to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping consumers identify better businesses and confirms promise made by subscribing warranty administrators.
The Brief Guide is a leaflet companion to the Code. It contains basic information on the Code, the Consumer Advice Line and Conciliation and Arbitration. It also provides consumers with a pre-contractual information check list and the Consumer Survey.
Copies of the Code are available for you when you purchase a vehicle warranty product from a subscriber or you can download/view a copy here
The Consumer Survey is included as part of the Brief Guide and can be completed and returned to the Code Administrator. The feedback received via the Consumer Survey provides Motor Codes with information on each subscriber's performance and is a further tool to help gauge a Subscriber's overall performance and compliance with the Code.
The Code covers the following products:
Financial shortfall products are products that will in the event of a vehicle being written off, pay the difference between the original purchase price, or the outstanding credit owed, and the amount you received from the motor insurer to replace your vehicle. Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance, Vehicle Replacement Insurance and Return To Invoice are financial shortfall products.
A service contract is taken to include any guarantee or extended warranty that is not a contract of insurance and provides cover against the failure of specified components of a motor vehicle.
A product in which the subscriber arranges insurance backing for their products, in which the subscriber will comply with all regulatory requirements laid down by the Financial Service Authority.
A service contract is guarantee or extended warranty that is not a contract of insurance. Service contracts/guarantees provider similar levels of cover against the failure of certain components in your vehicle as traditional Mechanical Breakdown Insurance, however your contract is with the retailer or subscriber rather than an insurance company.
Service contracts covered by the Code provide an additional level of consumer protection over and above the legal obligations of the subscriber, in the form of an established protected fund for claims monies.
Service contracts are paid from of protected funds. Subscribers ensure that sufficient amounts from each product sale is paid into the fund to ensure that claims can be paid out. An insured product is as the name suggests backed by a contract of insurance which will cover the costs of any claims.
The product literature will clearly state if there are any requirements for you to have work undertaken by a particular independent or dealer group, or at your local franchised dealer. We would strongly recommend that you read all of this information and seek clarification from the subscriber if you are unsure on any particular point.
We also advise that where possible you should also choose a garage that has subscribed to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. Use our Garage Finder to locate your nearest garage
In the first instance you should raise the matter with your vehicle warranty product provider.
Any verbal complaints will be dealt with immediately and letters will receive an initial reply from the subscriber within 10 working days of receipt.
If attempts to reach a satisfactory solution fail, refer the complaint to the Motor Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service.
To submit a complaint or enquiry to the Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service
Motor Industry Codes
PO Box 44755
London
SW1X 7DS
Yes, in order to determine whether we can be of assistance or whether your VWP is covered by the Code you need to determine who the vehicle warranty product provider is. Check your product booklet for the name of the provider, as this will help us discover if there they are a member of the Code and whether we are able to investigate your complaint.
View a list of subscribers here
It is important that before buying any vehicle warranty products you familiarise yourself with any literature that is available so you are aware of any obligations or exclusions. If you are unsure of what level of cover is provided, ask the retailer. We would advise that you only purchase products that are covered by the Code. If you can’t find our logo on the product ask the retailer whether the product is covered by the Code.
You will be advised of your cancellation rights during the sale and confirmation of your rights was included in your written summary of the key contract terms. The basic cancellation terms are that you have a right to cancel the contract within 14 days from the date of receipt of your product documents and receive a pro-rata refund. However for non insured products you may not be entitled to a refund where a claim has been made and accepted.
No, new vehicle warranties are covered by the Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. Find out more about the Code in the New Car Code section of this website.
Alternatively contact the Code Advisory and Conciliation Service on 0800 692 0825.
For more information on new car warranty see our New Car FAQs
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair aims to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping consumers identify better businesses and to encourage subscribers to raise their standards of customer service.
All garages subscribed to the code have a compliance check within a two years period and have to operate in accordance with the promises set out in the code.
If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive from a garage subscribed to the code under any item covered by it you are able to submit your grievance to the advisory and conciliation service operated in conjunction with this Code.
A detailed procedure explaining how to do this appears in the Appendix of the Code as do the terms of reference for dispute resolution and disciplinary action.
You can use the garage finder and directory to search for garages in your area. Just enter your town or postcode and click seach.
Garages subscribed to the code will display their certificate of registration within their reception area and have copies of the brief guide available.
The Brief Guide is a leaflet companion to the Code. It contains basic information on the Code, the Consumer Advice Line and Conciliation and Arbitration. It also provides consumers with a pre-contractual information check list and the Consumer Survey.
The Consumer Survey is included as part of the Brief Guide and can be completed and returned to the Code Administrator. The feedback received via the Consumer Survey provides the Code Administrator with information on each subscriber's performance and is a further tool to help gauge a Subscriber's overall performance and compliance with the Code.
Copies of the Code are available for you to view at Subscribers premises or you can view or will be available at the garage or you can download/view a copy here
Copies of the Brief Guide are available for you to view and take from the reception area of every Subscriber. You can also view or download the Brief Guide here
In the first instance you would complain to the Customer Relations Representative at the garage concerned. Any verbal complaints will be dealt with immediately and letters will receive an initial reply from the subscriber within 10 working days of receipt.
If attempts to reach a satisfactory solution fail, refer the complaint to the Motor Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service .
To submit a complaint or enquiry to the Codes Advisory and Conciliation Service
In the first instance you should complain to the Customer Relations Representative (CRR) at the garage. The CRR will try to deal with your complaint immediately and letters will receive an initial reply from the subscriber within 10 working days of receipt.
If attempts to reach a satisfactory solution fail, refer the complaint to the Code Advisory and Conciliation Service.
Conciliation is a dispute resolution process which, under the Code, aims to resolve disputes between a consumer and subscriber. The Code Advisory and Conciliation Service will investigate a consumer complaint and assess whether there has been any breach of the Code. The Code Advisory and Conciliation Service aim to resolve complaints to the satisfaction of both parties and in a speedy fashion with as little disruption to the consumer as possible.
If a case remains unresolved or there is a difference of opinion that cannot be satisfactorily addressed through conciliation, the case can be referred to independent arbitration.
The result of an arbitration hearing will be the conclusion of a case and legally binding on both parties, the results of which will be assessed to determine whether any Code compliance issues have been raised and to consider if any Code amendments are required to address any specific problems.
Arbitration is legally binding, and there are only limited circumstances where a case already considered under the terms of the Arbitration Act can then proceed to court.
A combination of methods is used to ensure that all subscribers comply with the Code. The following methods are used to ensure compliance.
Every subscribing garage undergoes regular compliance checks, carried out by a RAC Inspector, to ensure that they are complying with the Code and meeting their Code promises to you. Checks are unannounced.
The Consumer Survey is a free post, tear off survey in the Brief Guide that you can complete following a service and/or repair. The Brief Guide leaflet can be found in the reception or customer facing area of every Code subscriber.
We monitor subscribers' performance in responding to complaints and enquiries and how they interact with our Code Advisory and Conciliation Service.
To ensure that poor subscribers do not tarnish the good reputation of the Code, subscribers that perform poorly will incur penalty points. If Subscribers reach set levels of points a series of progressive sanctions will be triggered, which can ultimately result in expulsion from the Code.
The Code is monitored by the Independent Compliance Assessment Panel (ICAP) who in turn are monitored by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). ICAP use information from the Consumer Survey, compliance checks and consumer enquiries/complaints to monitor the effectiveness of the Code and individual subscribers' performance.
This includes providing quarterly reports and an annual report to the OFT and determining what, if any penalties, or sanctions should be taken against Subscribers who fail to correct a breach or who are seen to be in persistent, or serious breach of the Code. ICAP is independent of the sector.
No, please refer any issues regarding the insurance and body repairs to the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association
Light and medium commercial vehicles are covered, but only where such vehicles are not used in the course of your trade, business or profession.
No, please refer any issues regarding the servicing and/or repair of motor cycles to the Motor Cycle Industry Association
You have the choice of having your vehicle serviced at an authorised dealer or with an independent garage. However, if you choose to have the vehicle serviced outside of the authorised dealer network you must ensure that the service is completed in accordance with the manufacturers recommended service intervals and servicing criteria. You also need to retain proof of the service as this may be requested in the event of any warranty claim.
The recommended guidelines and service intervals will be provided within your service literature pack. We would strongly recommend that you read all of this information and seek clarification from the manufacturer if you are unsure on any particular point.
Issues relating to new car warranties are covered by the Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. Find out more about the Code in the New Car Code section of this website.
Alternatively contact the Code Advisory and Conciliation Service on 0800 692 0825.
If your issues relates to the extended warranty policy and policy provider then you will need to refer your compliant to the SMMT Vehicle Protection Code. Contact the SMMT consumer advice line on 0800 692 0825.
All garages are independent businesses and can set their own price structures, however being subscribed to the Code should not affect their charges.
The garage is obligated under the Code to contact you prior to commencement of any additional work, giving you the opportunity to accept and agree a new completion time/date and cost, or decline and exercise your right to cancel the booking.
If this has not been carried out then in the first instance you should refer your complaint to the subscriber's Customer Services Representative. If you wish to progress the complaint further then contact the Code Advisory and Conciliation Service.
Yes, all garages subscribed to the Code have agreed to keep any parts that have been replaced until you have collected your vehicle, in order to give you the opportunity to view and examine, unless otherwise agreed.
No, garages cannot ask for any deposits or payments from you before completing any service or repair work.
Motor Industry Codes of Practice have the full support of:
