Will Insurance Cover Accidents If the Vehicle Fails Inspection?
2 Answers
If a vehicle fails inspection and is involved in a traffic accident, the insurance will not cover the claim. If an un-inspected vehicle is found on the road, the traffic police will impound the vehicle and impose a fine on the driver along with a 3-point deduction. In the event of an accident, the insurance company can directly refuse to pay. The penalties for failing vehicle inspection are as follows: 1. If the inspection is overdue by less than 3 months: The traffic management department of the public security authorities will issue a verbal warning but no penalty, and the vehicle can undergo normal inspection procedures. 2. Overdue by more than 3 months but less than 2 years: A fine and 3-point deduction will be imposed, after which the vehicle can proceed with the normal inspection process. 3. Overdue by more than 2 years: The vehicle's registration will be canceled, and a complicated process along with fines will be required to reinstate it. 4. Overdue by more than 3 inspection cycles: The vehicle will be forcibly scrapped.
I experienced this myself last year. I was too busy with work and forgot about the vehicle inspection. As a result, I got rear-ended on the road. I initially thought the insurance would cover all the costs, but the insurer directly stated that the contract was invalid due to my missed inspection. In the end, I had to pay over 9,000 for the repairs. Looking back now, the inspection isn’t just a formality—it checks for hidden dangers like brakes and lights. Missing an inspection increases the risk, and the insurance company’s refusal to pay is reasonable. I recommend setting an annual inspection reminder on your phone app to avoid regretting it after an accident. A friend of mine also had a similar experience—missing an inspection led to an accident, and they had to foot the bill themselves. That money was wasted. Developing the habit of timely inspections ensures reliable insurance and safety.