A driver from Greater Manchester who sent his car for repair after a minor accident was left shocked to discover it had been driven nearly 15,000 miles upon its return months later. The vehicle was also returned with significant wear and an expired MOT certificate, prompting a police investigation into suspected unauthorised vehicle use. The case has raised serious questions about the oversight of third-party vehicle recovery and storage facilities.
The Discovery: From Minor Collision to Major Mystery
In February 2025, Manchester resident Scott Armitage was involved in a minor road traffic collision. His insurer, Aviva, arranged for his 2022 Volkswagen Golf to be collected by a contracted vehicle recovery firm, NorthWest Vehicle Solutions, and taken to a storage facility to await assessment and repair.
After several months of delays, Mr. Armitage finally recovered his vehicle in August. Upon inspection, he noticed the car was in a far worse condition than before. The odometer, which read approximately 21,000 miles when collected, now displayed nearly 36,000 miles. Furthermore, its annual MOT safety certificate had expired in July while the car was supposedly secured in storage.
“I was utterly speechless,” Mr. Armitage told the BBC. “The tyres were completely worn, the interior was dirty, and there were stone chips all over the front. It had clearly been driven daily, and driven hard. My car was essentially used as a free runaround for six months.”
Official Inquiries and Corporate Response
The incident has triggered investigations from multiple agencies. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed they are looking into the matter. “We have received a report of unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances,” a GMP spokesperson said in a statement.
Aviva, the insurer, stated they have launched an urgent internal investigation and have suspended their contract with NorthWest Vehicle Solutions pending the outcome. “We are deeply concerned by this situation and are in close contact with our customer to ensure he is fully supported,” an Aviva representative said. “We expect the highest standards from our approved suppliers, and the allegations here are unacceptable.”
NorthWest Vehicle Solutions has not responded to multiple requests for comment but provided a brief statement on their website, saying they are “cooperating fully with the relevant authorities” and “taking this matter extremely seriously.”
Legal and Regulatory Implications
This case shines a light on the legal responsibilities of companies that take possession of a customer’s property, a legal concept known as bailment. Experts in consumer rights suggest there may have been a significant breach of contract.
Driving Without a Valid MOT
Under UK law, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, which confirms it meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which regulates MOTs, warns that penalties can include fines of up to £1,000.
“An MOT is a critical check to ensure a vehicle is roadworthy,” said a DVSA spokesperson. “Driving a vehicle without one, particularly if it has been used extensively, poses a significant risk to the driver and other road users.”
Potential Legal Claims
Legal experts state Mr. Armitage may have grounds for a civil claim against both the insurer and the recovery firm for damages, including the significant depreciation of his vehicle.
“The storage facility had a duty of care to protect the vehicle, not to use it,” explained Mark Tideswell, a solicitor at law firm Slater and Gordon. “This appears to be a clear case of negligence and breach of bailment. The owner is entitled to compensation for the loss in value of the car, the cost of the excessive wear and tear, and potentially for the loss of use.”
The investigation is expected to continue for several weeks. Meanwhile, Mr. Armitage has been provided with a courtesy car by his insurer, but he remains without his own vehicle. This incident serves as a stark reminder for consumers to meticulously document their vehicle’s condition and mileage before handing it over to any third party.
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FAQs
1. What should I do if my car is damaged or used without permission at a garage?
You should immediately document the damage with photographs and date-stamped evidence. Note the mileage. Contact the company in writing to report the issue and then notify your insurance provider. If you suspect criminal activity, report it to the police.
2. What is the penalty for driving without a valid MOT?
Driving a vehicle on a public road without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is deemed “dangerous,” the penalties can be more severe, including larger fines, penalty points on your licence, and a possible driving ban.
3. How can I check a vehicle’s MOT and mileage history?
The UK Government offers a free online service through the GOV.UK website. You can enter the vehicle’s registration number to see its past MOT results, including any failures, advisories, and the recorded mileage at the time of each test.
