Motoring Costs

Halogen bulbs are disappearing from new cars, replaced by brighter, smarter LED headlights. But why can modern LEDs be so expensive to replace?

Wondering why car repair costs keep rising? Discover what's driving higher repair bills, from advanced vehicle technology to rising parts and labour costs.

What is GAP insurance? Do you really need it? How much does it cost? Learn all about GAP insurance with our guide.

Thinking of importing a car from Japan, the USA or elsewhere? Discover all the costs, including VAT, import duty, NOVA, IVA and shipping.

Ex-lease car auctions offer great vehicles at low prices, but watch out for hidden costs. Learn how to spot the risks and bag a genuine bargain.

EV savings often depend on having a driveway. Can future policy help renters and those without off-street parking benefit too?

Is owning a car really more expensive than it was decades ago? From fuel and insurance to repairs and finance, we explore how the true cost of motoring in Britain has changed.

Learn how to claim for pothole damage in the UK. Find out when councils are liable, what evidence you need, and how to recover car repair costs successfully.

In most cases, your breakdown cover provider will not cover parts unless an additional 'parts and labour' cover has been purchased.

Government budgets and policies affect your car insurance and car tax costs. Learn how they impact your annual motoring budget in our guide.

Save money on your next car: Learn expert tips to negotiate prices effectively, whether you’re buying a new or second-hand vehicle. See the tips now.

Looking for classic car parts in the UK? Learn where to buy used classic car spares, including owners’ clubs, online marketplaces and specialist suppliers.

Over 20 years, London and other UK cities have introduced vehicle charging zones to cut congestion and air pollution. This guide explains what ULEZ, LEZ and CAZ really mean.

Avoid these 10 common mistakes when buying a car: Get the vehicle you need at a price you can afford. Read our guide.

Learn what a SORN is, when to declare one, fines for not doing so, how to SORN a car, and how to tax or insure it again in the UK.

Stay on top of car maintenance to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. Learn about the hidden costs of neglect and how to reduce the risk of unexpected faults.

Learn about what can happen if you ignore a traffic fine, from loss of early-payment discount, to bailiffs and driving bans. Read our guide.

EV tax exemptions are all but gone and energy prices have shifted. See how road tax, charging costs and other factors impact electric car ownership in 2026.

Explore HP, PCH, and PCP car finance in 2026 - flexible ways to drive a car without buying outright. See how each option stacks up.

Work out how much car tax you need to pay with our complete guide. Rate depends on CO2 emissions, fuel type, and list price. Learn more.

Using a home electric charger is likely to be much cheaper than using public charge points. Discover how much home EV charging costs in 2025.

Learn to spot clocked cars, VIN fraud, finance scams and fake ads. Get essential tips for safely buying a used car from a private seller.

Lost your UK driving licence? Learn how to quickly and easily apply for a replacement online, what information you’ll need, and the steps to get your licence back.

Depending on the age of your car, you might be exempt from having to pay vehicle tax, and from requiring an MOT. Read on to find out more...

Learn how much you’re likely to pay for basic and full diagnostics tests, and the key differences between the two types.

Find out how to get the cheapest car hire prices for your next excursion. This guide shares top tips and tricks to help you save money on your hire car booking.

When is the best time to book airport parking? Discover the ideal time to book your space whilst saving money and avoiding stress with our helpful guide.

Thinking about a personalised plate? Learn how they work, where to buy, and the rules to follow — from funny to flashy, here’s what you need to know.

Learn how to book your DVSA theory and practical driving tests in the UK. Step-by-step guide with key documents, costs, and requirements.

Need to reschedule or cancel your UK driving test? Find out how to do it online, what documents you need, and how to avoid losing your fee.

Confused by supermarket car park rules? Discover some of the common pitfalls experienced by UK supermarket visitors - and how to avoid them.

Specific rules apply to motorway service station car parks in the UK, differentiating them from council and private car parks.

Did you know there are a few other driving offences which you may not be aware of?

For those who only need to drive occasionally, or who find the cost of car ownership too onerous, joining a car club could make sense. Read our guide.

Banish those car insurance blues with these useful cover-crunching tips. Pay less for your insurance in 2024.

Find out the difference between Comprehensive and Third Party car insurance, with our quick guide.

Learn the ins-and-outs of selling your car at auction. Our guide covers both physical and online auctions. Read more.

When it comes to paying up for parking, UK motorists have a plethora of options - from good-old-fashioned Pay & Display, to Automatic Number Plate Recognition.

Paying your road tax online is quick and easy. Read our guide to learn what you need to complete the task.

Buying a car at auction for the first time? Our guide will take you through the process, from inspection to bidding to delivery.

Wondering what are the ULEZ exempt cars? We would like to provide more information and help car owners across the country make sure their car is ULEZ compliant.

An advanced motorcycle course could make you a safer rider, reducing the risk of injury - and even save you money on your annual insurance.

If you want to bring your car to London, you have to understand the London Congestion Charge. Our guide breaks down all your queries regarding the congestion charge.

Don't use your car often? You may be able to earn extra income from renting it out, while doing your bit for the environment.

There’s no doubting startrescue.co.uk is one of the most affordable breakdown recovery providers in the UK. But there are many more reasons to choose us...

What rights do you have when you buy a used car from a main dealer, a used forecourt, or a private seller? Find out in our guide.

Learn about car insurance groups and how they impact your annual premium - plus other ways to cut the cost of insurance.

Want to cancel your road tax and apply for a refund? Navigate the DVLA’s rules with our quick guide.

From capacity needs to roof bar selection to understanding weight restrictions, there are various things to consider when buying a roof box.

Understand how No Claims Bonuses (or Discounts) work. Learn how to protect yours, and about common pitfalls and misconceptions.

Is AutoGlym’s popular dealership-applied sealant best to protect your car’s paintwork? Learn about costs, application, and common problems.

If being able to carry people and/or cargo in your vehicle is critical, your two main options are the multi-purposes vehicle or the sports utility vehicle; MPV vs SUV.

Are you from outside the UK looking to lease a car? With a UK bank account and a clean international licence, it is possible. Read our guide.

Could pay-as-you-go or pay-per-mile car insurance save you money? Learn the pros and cons of PAYG cover, from Start Rescue

What’s the difference between a small van and a panel van? Or a combi and an MPV? Learn about the different types.

How does EV insurance work? Is it cheaper than insuring a petrol or diesel car? Learn about electric car cover in our guide.

Everything to know about a car test drive (new or used) - from booking a drive to ensuring you have a good view of the road. Learn more.

Ready to buy your first car? In this guide we’ll look at funding, price, fuel efficiency, space, safety features and other aspects of choosing a first vehicle.

What’s the best way to start driving a new electric car? Two key options are to buy or to lease. Understand the pros and cons of each.

Learn where you can park as a Blue Badge holder in the UK: Can you park on single and double yellow lines? How long can you park for?

Get an idea of how much it costs to learn to drive. Figures include provisional licence; driving lessons; tests; first car cost; insurance and vehicle tax. | startrescue.co.uk

Boost the resale value of your car with the following tips from Start Rescue - covering maintenance and upkeep, cleaning, record keeping and more.

Thinking of buying a new van? Find out if you should choose diesel - the current favourite; petrol; or one of several electric options.

A car-derived van is a vehicle based on a pre-existing car design, with a maximum unladen weight of 2,000kg. Read Start Rescue's latest article to learn more.

Retail car parks are generally built on private land, so the rules governing them differ from council/state-owned car parks.

How to decide what car to buy? Think about seating, boot space, fuel economy, insurance, warranties, and VED. Read our guide for more.

Up-to-date information about the Dartford Crossing: current charges, ways to save (Dart Charge), local resident discounts & info for disabled drivers, cyclists & motorcyclists.

Want to learn to drive? First, you need to obtain a provisional driving licence. Find out how to do this with our handy guide.

With so many van shapes and sizes available, it can be hard to choose the best van for your needs. Here we take a look at important factors to consider when choosing a van.

Read our top tips for improving your MPG and cutting petrol/diesel bills.

Find out how to get the best deals on airport parking - while taking into consideration security and convenience before and after your trip.

Do you like driving the latest models? Then personal contract hire (PCH) could make it easy.

Leasing a car can cost anywhere between £100 and £1,000 per month, depending on a number of factors - principally the chosen make and model.

Thinking of buying new number plates for your car, or selling existing ones? Read our guide to find out how each process works...

Get an idea of how much it costs to learn to drive. Figures include provisional licence; driving lessons; tests; first car cost; insurance and vehicle tax.

How To Renew Your Driving Licence: Complete Guide

Established auction houses can handle much of the paperwork associated with importing a used car to the UK. Read on to learn more.

Wondering if your car's engine will perform better if you upgrade to premium petrol from E10 (formerly standard unleaded)? Well, it depends

Common reasons motorists are handed fines - including parking tickets and penalty charges for crossings and bridges. Learn how to avoid or appeal against them.

Most cars lose value over time, unless they are - or become - particularly rare. Here we look at the key reasons why a car loses value...

Thinking about leasing a car and wondering how it might affect your credit score? There are potential benefits and risks to your credit score with Personal Contract Hire...

Your job status has a big impact on how much you pay for car insurance. You must inform your insurer of any job changes to remain covered.

Given the cost of an instructor, many learner drivers ask a friend or relative to teach them how to drive. But is it the right choice for you?

Buying a car online could be a convenient alternative to a dealership, especially given the need for social distancing. Read our tips for buying a vehicle online.

Learn about the factors that impact an electric car’s value over time: these include mileage, range, condition, and of course, model.

Manuals give you more control, but automatics are easier. See more pros and cons of manuals and automatic transmissions.

We look at the most expensive number plates ever sold, around the world and within the UK.

For younger drivers, installing a telematics system might be a great way of reducing your premium over time. Read our blackbox guide.

You’ll probably get a better price for your car if you sell privately. However, this option requires a little more legwork on your part…

To import a car to Ireland you must arrange VRT, Motor Tax, possibly pay VAT, and buy insurance.

There are a number of extra costs to consider before you sign on the dotted line of your car leasing agreement.

What are the advantages of taking an advanced driving course? We look at how one could make you a safer driver – and even save you money.

Looking to purchase a new car? Trading in (part-exchanging) your old vehicle could be an effective way to reduce the cost of a new vehicle while offloading your old one.

It’s been a turbulent 12 months, as these stats show. From new car sales to used car sales, from BEVs to PHEVs, the numbers are eye-opening - though not always in a bad way.

What help can you expect from your breakdown service provider if your keys are lost or stolen, or if you lock yourself out of your car?

Even apparently minor changes to your vehicle or circumstances could affect the validity of your insurance policy. Find out what your insurance provider needs to know - and when.

Confused by how to use yellow box junctions properly? Our guide tells you how to stay safe and avoid a Penalty Charge Notice for getting stuck in one.

The standard (minimum) fixed penalty notice (FPN) for speeding is £100 plus 3 penalty points on your licence. However, you may dispute the FPN.

Thinking about ending your hire purchase (HP), or personal contract purchase (PCP) car finance agreement early? We explain how...

Confused by single and double yellow line restrictions? Our quick guide tells you all you need to know - plus information on single and double red lines.

Courtesy car insurance gives you access to a courtesy car if you have an accident and cannot use your own car while repairs are undertaken.

Wondering if you should upgrade from regular petrol or diesel to premium? If you have a high performance car, it could deliver some benefits...

Understand how No Claims Bonuses (or Discounts) work. Learn how to protect yours, and about common pitfalls and misconceptions.

When choosing a new set of tyres, selecting the right ones in terms of price and performance can be tricky.

If you enjoy driving the latest models - but don't expect to run up a large annual mileage tally - then personal contract hire (PCH) could make sense.

Thinking of selling your car privately? You must inform any buyer if it is unroadworthy, unless they are explicitly buying it for spare parts, or to fix it up. Learn more.

Selling a used car privately? You should print off and fill in a car buyer's/seller's contract, with copies for each party.

Want to get the best possible deal on a new car? Choosing the right moment could save you thousands...

Many drivers take out protection for their No Claim Bonus, but often don't fully understand the extent to which it really protects their discounted premium.

New to GAP insurance? Read our handy guide on the various types of GAP insurance products available today and why you might need it.

Forgotten if you're insured? Or who your insurer is? Don't panic: you can find out these details quickly and easily using two online services.

If you are thinking about investing in your car to get a bigger return, then here are some things that could make a difference.

Buying a used car can seem like a daunting task, so here's a guide to help you make your purchase.

How to ensure that your car modifications are in line with UK law – and that your insurance remains valid.

When selecting optional extras for your car you need to consider resale value and practicality.

If you're looking for a car for your family that is also a lot of fun to drive then have a look at this list.

Many businesses offer company cars to make roles more appealing, or because they are necessary for the job. But when company car tax is added into the equation, the impact on your annual tax bill could make such a benefit less appealing.

The make and model of your car has a significant impact on your annual premium. Learn why.

Learn how to get the best price for a new or used car. Discover which finance options are available - and which are best for you.

Is your car getting too costly to run? Or is it too large for your needs? Would you like to invest in an electric vehicle? There are many reasons why it might be time to sell your current car.

Finding a parking space - it's enough to make you ditch your car for the bus - but locating a (sometimes free) parking is a lot easier than it used to be. Read on…

Many of today's rental companies may seem highly affordable, but often levy previously-hidden extra charges. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls with our complete guide.

Age - or lack of - is a big determining factor in how your car insurance is calculated. Here are 10 of the cheapest cars to insure for under-25s.

Top tips on haggling to get the best possible price on a used car in the UK

13 money saving tips for motorists that really work

Learn about the UK's major toll bridges and roads and how much it costs to cross (cars at peak times, correct as of Feb 2022).

The cost of a car respray depends on many factors: read our guide for the low down.

Has another driver made a claim against your car insurance following an accident? Read our blog to find out how the process works...

Learn about the UK's major toll bridges and roads and how much it costs to cross (cars at peak times, correct as of July 2020).

Discover why the exact day you buy car insurance (in relation to your renewal date) could save or lose you several hundred pounds…

Find out how your no claims bonus works; how you can protect it; and under what circumstances you could lose it or have it reduced by your insurer.

Want to get the best possible resale price when the time comes? If so, you can choose any colour for your next car - as long as it's grey.

With so many models and body styles available, buying a new or used car today is trickier than ever. Here we offer eight essential topics to consider first.

Read these nuggets of advice for passing your UK practical driving test, from ‘show me, tell me’ questions, through to the practical driving exam.

Read our comprehensive guide to the various types of car warranty available, including the advantages and disadvantages of taking one out.

Looking for a new car that's great for towing? Check out these five vehicles that take towing in their stride...

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covers London’s 33 boroughs. Within it, heavily polluting commercial diesel-powered vehicles are charged a fee: £100 or £200, depending on weight. Cars, motorcycles and some other vehicles are exempt.

A guide to car insurance – covering the various insurance types, how premiums are calculated and what you can do to minimise how much you pay.

Beginner tips on how to upgrade your car’s sound system: our article covers head units, amps and speakers - and how to connect them to get amazing sound quality.

A run through the various possible costs associated with having a car accident, including repairs, excess and NCB loss, any legal fees and court penalties.