Two in five cars fail their MOT test every year, costing UK motorists more than £2 billion in repairs and the cost of a second MOT to get their vehicle back on the road - according to new research by Allianz Your Cover Insurance.

Around one seventh (14%) of motorists saying they had no idea why their vehicle failed its MOT, Allianz Your Cover research suggests the top five reasons vehicles didn’t pass are damage to tyres (28%), problems with the exhaust (17%), windscreen wiper blades need replacing (14%), defective headlights (12%) and brake lights not working (10%).

Three in four (76%) motorists polled by Allianz Your Cover agree that the annual MOT is essential for keeping Britain’s roads safe. But it seems that many motorists wait for their MOT test to point out problems with their vehicle rather than carry out regular vehicle maintenance. Only one in four (27%) carry out regular checks on their cars between MOT tests and two in five (43%) have ignored an advisory note after their MOT, which outlines areas of the car which may need attention in the near future, and one in five (21%) have forgotten to get an MOT done on more than one occasion.

Jon Lott, head of direct insurance of Allianz Your Cover Insurance said: "Relying only on an annual inspection of the vehicle could put lives at risk, particularly when it comes to the condition of tyres and lights.

"An MOT is just a snapshot of a vehicle’s roadworthiness on the day it goes for a test. Motorists should have an all year round attitude to keeping their vehicle well maintained because often if you leave a repair job it will only cost more in the long run, and that can include the cost of a second MOT.

"While an MOT means safety checks have been made on your vehicle it doesn’t cover everything. From our research we know that 10% of motorists pay a mechanic to look over their car ahead of their MOT, which can save costs in the long run."

When asked if they were aware of the changes made to MOT tests earlier this year which mean that additional checks will be made, 80% of motorists said ‘no’. One in four (29%) however, are annoyed that the added requirements of an MOT checklist have changed as they anticipate having to spend more money to enable their vehicle to pass.

Additional research findings include:

• Motorists in the East Midlands pay the most to get their car back on the roads, spending £233.50 for repairs and a second MOT test
• Car owners in East Anglia are least likely to prepare for an MOT (39%)
• The average cost for an MOT each year, including fees and preparatory works (excluding post-test repairs and second test) is £98.53
• Two thirds (64%) feel that a yearly MOT test is the correct frequency for car maintenance.