Kit Car drivers risk £2,500 fines by not following roadworthy rules

Kit cars offer enthusiasts the unique opportunity to build their very own vehicle tailored to their specifications. But understanding the intricacies of kit cars and securing appropriate insurance is crucial for everyone looking to take on a kit car of their own.

To help, specialist car insurance provider, Lancaster Insurance, has answered some of the most asked questions about kit cars online, and detailed the possible fines and penalties for not adhering to driving laws*.

What Are Kit Cars?

Kit cars are vehicles sold as a complete kit with everything that you need for completion, or alternatively as a kit of parts to be added to a donor vehicle that you may source yourself. Either way, this allows the buyer to assemble them into a functional car. These kits often emulate classic car designs, and you’ll sometimes need specialist tools to help build them.

Are Kit Cars Road Legal?

Yes, but they need to pass several checks beforehand, dependent on the type of kit. In most cases, before you can drive one you will need to have it checked by an expert, and it then must be registered with the DVLA and pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test, ensuring they meet safety and environmental standards.

If the car is built from mostly all new parts you can obtain a current registration number. If you don’t meet the requirements for getting a current registration number, your vehicle will be given a Q prefix registration number instead. All kit cars will need to be road taxed and insured to be legally driven on the road. 

Driving a car that isn't legally deemed roadworthy can land you with a £2,500 fine and a full driving ban.

Are Kit Cars MOT Exempt?

No, Kit Cars are not exempt from the MOT rules and are subject to the same MOT requirements as other vehicles. If a car doesn’t have a current MOT and needs one, you’ll usually you’ll be handed a £100 on-the-spot fine, increasing up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

Can Kit Cars Be Insured?

Absolutely. Specialist insurers offer tailored policies for kit cars, recognising their unique nature and requirements. As like any car, a kit car needs to be insured before they can be driven legally on the roads. Driving without insurance can lead to a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence.

Are Kit Cars Safe?

Kit cars that pass the IVA test are designed to meet UK road safety requirements. When building kit cars, use quality components and follow the instructions closely to ensure optimal safety.

Can You Drive Kit Cars on the Road?

Yes, once a kit car has passed the IVA test and is registered with the DVLA, it is legal to drive on UK roads, providing it has the right insurance in place.

How Do Kit Cars Work?

Kit cars function like any other vehicle but are assembled by the owner from a kit. They typically use components from other vehicles, such as engines and chassis. Different kits will require various levels of assembly.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Kit Car?

The time required to build a kit car varies depending on the complexity of the model, the time you have, and your skill level. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete a kit car.

“We know that kit cars are popular within the classic car community, allowing enthusiasts to build their dream car from scratch.” Explains Yvonne Gosney from Lancaster Insurance. “We therefore wanted to uncover some of the most asked questions on kit cars, helping to provide clarity to those who may be considering taking on a project of their own.

“With such a bespoke vehicle, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy to match. At Lancaster, our kit car policies are designed to cater to the unique needs of kit car owners and provide peace of mind when getting out on the roads.”

For more information, visit https://www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/insurance/kit-car-insurance/