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What Does It Cost to Run Your Car?

Get a free breakdown of fuel, tax, depreciation, MOT and servicing costs for any UK vehicle.

Sample running-cost breakdownSample

See your car's running costs

Enter any UK reg plate for a personalised breakdown of fuel, road tax, depreciation, MOT, servicing and insurance.

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£300-£600

Avg UK monthly cost

40-60%

Year 1-3 depreciation

5 categories

Tailored to your reg

What we calculate

Five major cost categories, each tailored to your reg's fuel type, engine, age, mileage, and emissions:

  • Fuel costs

    Real-world MPG × current UK fuel prices × average mileage.

  • Road tax (VED)

    Based on CO₂ and registration year. Annual + 6-month rates, with first-year surcharges where they apply.

  • Depreciation

    Estimated value loss over the next year using market-based curves. Often the single biggest cost.

  • MOT & servicing

    MOT fee plus typical servicing costs for vehicles in your segment.

  • Insurance

    Segment-based estimate. Personal quotes will vary by age, location, history — this is a realistic ballpark.

How it works

1

Enter your reg

Type any UK registration number into the search box on our homepage.

2

We calculate the costs

We use your vehicle's real specs, fuel data, emissions and market values to build a personalised estimate.

3

See the breakdown

Get a clear monthly and annual breakdown across fuel, tax, depreciation, servicing and insurance.

Why running costs matter

Purchase price is only part of the story. A car that looks cheap to buy can be expensive to own if it drinks fuel, sits in a high insurance group, or depreciates quickly.

For buyers, total cost of ownership matters more than sticker price. Pair this with the vehicle's valuation and MOT history for the full picture.

Save money on your MOT

The legal maximum for an MOT test is £54.85 — but many garages charge less. Compare prices in seconds.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a car per month in the UK?
£300-£600 average, including fuel, tax, insurance, depreciation, MOT and servicing. Small efficient cars at the low end; large SUVs and performance can top £700. Enter a reg for a vehicle-specific estimate.
What is the biggest cost of car ownership?
Depreciation — a new car can lose 40-60% of its value in the first 3 years. Fuel and insurance follow. Our breakdown shows how each category contributes.
Are electric cars cheaper to run?
Day-to-day, yes — electricity is ~3-5p/mile vs 12-18p for petrol. EVs registered before April 2025 paid no road tax (newer EVs pay the £195 standard rate), no ULEZ, lower servicing. Higher purchase prices and faster depreciation can offset some savings.
How do I reduce my running costs?
Drive smoothly (acceleration + tyre pressures), shop insurance at renewal, stay on top of servicing to avoid bigger bills, and consider switching to a more efficient vehicle if your current one is expensive. Our breakdown highlights which categories are biggest.
Does Free Plate Check include insurance costs?
Yes — a segment-based estimate from typical premiums for similar vehicles. For an accurate personal quote, always compare insurers directly; premiums depend on age, location, driving history etc.

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