I can't pay my car finance
If you’re currently in a car finance deal, contact the lender or dealer if you’re worried about missing a payment. Some are now offering payment holidays similar to those you can get for a mortgage.
At the end of the payment holiday, the lender will increase the remaining payments slightly to cover the missed payments.
What is voluntary termination?
If you're in a car finance agreement but no longer want or need your car, you can give it up. This is called voluntary termination and means you can end your car finance agreement early.
If you want to do this, there are two main conditions. Firstly, the car must not be damaged in any way. Secondly, you need to have paid half the total amount you agreed to pay.
If you haven’t yet paid half, this might not be a good option right now unless you can cover the rest of the costs.
If you want to start voluntary termination you should contact your dealer in writing. It’s best to do this by email in the current situation.
I’m not using my car
If you’re no longer using your card it’s ‘off road’ and you can claim some tax and insurance back. This is called Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). To qualify, you need to not be using the car, and keep it off a public road. You can apply online here.
This is also a useful thing to do if you were in the process of selling it but that’s now not possible in the current circumstances.
My MOT is due
The government is giving people a six month MOT extension for all that are due on or after 30th March. But, vehicles that failed a previous MOT will not be granted an extension.
All vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and garages will be open for urgent repairs.