Ensuring your
car is regularly serviced might seem like just another chore, but it can also have a knock-on effect on your car insurance.
A
car service helps maintain safety, reduces the chance of breakdowns, and provides proof that your car has been looked after properly – all of which matter when it comes to insurers.
Regular servicing won’t guarantee you cheaper premiums, but skipping it could leave you out of pocket if your insurer challenges a claim or reduces a payout.
A complete service record can also preserve the value of your car, which may influence the compensation you receive if it is written off.
What is a Car Service?
A car service is a scheduled maintenance check, separate from an
MOT test.
While an MOT is a legal requirement to prove a vehicle is roadworthy, a service is a comprehensive health check designed to keep everything running smoothly.
During a service, mechanics will inspect key components such as brakes,
tyres, suspension, fluids, filters, and battery health.
Depending on the service level, they may also replace spark plugs,
timing belts, or brake fluid.
There are three main types of service:
- Interim Service – typically recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, covering oil, filter changes, and safety checks.
- Full Service – usually recommended every 12,000 miles, with a detailed inspection and replacement of fluids and filters.
- Major Service – includes all the above, plus deeper checks of long-life components like spark plugs and brake fluid. This is recommended around every 24,000 miles.
For hybrids and
EVs, servicing may also involve battery diagnostics, regenerative brake checks, and software updates.
How Car Servicing Affects Your Insurance
Car insurance premiums are based on risk – and the condition of your car is part of that equation.
A poorly maintained vehicle is more likely to suffer mechanical failures, contribute to accidents, or even break down in dangerous circumstances.
Insurers don’t directly discount premiums for a stamped service book, but they will consider the impact of poor maintenance if you ever need to make a claim.
If your car was deemed unroadworthy and caused damage, there’s a real risk of a claim being refused.
On the other hand, a well-maintained car with a clear history reassures insurers that you are a responsible owner, which can make claim disputes smoother and protect your financial liability.
Does Servicing Affect Your Warranty?
When it comes to
warranties, regular servicing plays a crucial role in keeping your cover valid.
Many drivers assume they have to return to the dealership, but
UK and EU “Block Exemption” rules provide more flexibility.
Here are the main points to remember:
- Independent
garages are allowed – you don’t have to stick to the dealership network.
- Follow the manufacturer’s schedule – the service intervals and checks must be carried out as specified.
- Use approved parts and fluids – incorrect replacements can invalidate the warranty.
- Keep detailed records – itemised receipts and a stamped service book are essential proof.
- Finance and lease rules may differ – PCP or leasing contracts sometimes insist on franchised servicing.
Ultimately, servicing does not just keep your car running safely – it also protects your right to make a warranty claim.
Without the right paperwork or evidence, you may find yourself paying for costly repairs that should have been covered.
Can Skipping a Service Impact Insurance Claims?
Yes, missing services can have serious consequences.
If your car is involved in an accident and the insurer finds that poor maintenance played a role, they may reject the claim.
For example,
part-worn tyres, failed brakes, or an engine fault that should have been picked up during servicing could all be grounds for refusal.
Even when claims are not denied, a history of poor upkeep may make insurers reluctant to renew or may push premiums higher.
Skipping services also increases the risk of small issues escalating into major faults, raising both repair costs and your perceived risk profile as a driver.
Do Insurers Offer Discounts for Regular Servicing?
Most insurers won’t directly lower premiums because your car has a full service history – but that doesn’t mean servicing has no financial impact.
In practice, regular maintenance can reduce costs in indirect ways:
- Lower likelihood of accidents – fewer mechanical failures means fewer insurance claims.
- Faster and simpler claims – a strong service record can help you prove the car was well maintained.
- Reduced repair costs – insurers face smaller payouts on vehicles that are easier and cheaper to fix.
While you may not see an immediate discount for booking a service, the long-term benefits are real.
A well-maintained car is less risky for insurers – and less expensive for you in the event of a claim.
Book Your Car Service Through Blackcircles Today
At Blackcircles, we make it simple to book interim, full, or major services with trusted local garages across the UK.
All work is carried out to manufacturer standards using approved parts, so you can protect both your warranty and your peace of mind.
By booking your service through Blackcircles, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and supported by insurers – all with the convenience of transparent pricing and a seamless online booking system.
Car Servicing FAQs
Does a car run better after a service?
Yes – most drivers notice improvements straight away. A service can boost fuel efficiency, extend the lifespan of key components, and even make the car quieter on the road. Regular servicing keeps your car running at its best and ensures safer, more enjoyable journeys.
Do you need to service your car every year?
While you don’t “need” an annual car service, it is definitely recommended. Manufacturers usually specify either every 12 months or every 10,000–12,000 miles. Even low-mileage drivers benefit, as time-based wear can affect rubber seals, fluids, and tyres. Regular servicing helps protect warranties, reduces insurance risks, and preserves your car’s long-term value.
What happens if you miss a service on your car?
Missing a service won’t stop your car from running immediately, but the long-term effects can be costly. Skipping services can also put your warranty at risk and complicate insurance claims if poor maintenance is linked to an accident. Over time, neglecting small repairs usually results in much bigger bills – meaning you save nothing by avoiding a service.
How many miles should a car do before a service?
Most manufacturers recommend a service every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, though this varies by model. High-performance vehicles and diesels may have shorter intervals, while hybrids and EVs sometimes have longer ones. Always check your owner’s manual or online service schedule for accurate guidance, as sticking to these intervals protects both performance and warranty cover.
What is the difference between a full service and a major service?
A full service covers essential maintenance such as oil and filter changes, fluid checks, tyre and brake inspections, and a detailed safety assessment. A major service includes all the full service checks, but also replacement of long-life components like spark plugs, brake fluid, and sometimes timing belts, and is usually recommended every two years. While a full service keeps your car running smoothly day-to-day, a major service provides the deeper checks that prevent costly failures further down the line.
