Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Taxes are a less exciting part of life, and all car owners must pay car tax on their vehicles.

 this will also include electric car drivers, and you can’t avoid this tax unless your car is 

 You can cancel your car tax and get a refund for any unused months by simply notifying the DVLA.

In this article, we’ll cover how to cancel car tax (even without a V5C) and when you can expect your money back.

Car tax is a tax all vehicle owners and drivers need to pay.

It’s also known as road tax or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). However, the money doesn’t only go towards road maintenance or building. 

 to encourage drivers to make greener choices.

The first vehicle tax was introduced in Britain as 

To cancel your car tax, you must contact the DVLA. The easiest way to do this is through the 

Cancelling road tax is part of the process when you inform the DVLA about selling, scrapping, or declaring your car SORN. Refunds are handled alongside confirming these actions.

You can also speak to someone via the website’s live chat service or via the contact email address provided.

 Whatever contact route you chose, you’ll need a V5C or V11 tax reminder nearby.

You can also contact the DVLA by post, via:

You must give the DVLA a valid reason when you cancel your car tax.

Common reasons for cancelling road tax include:

There aren’t any other reasons for not paying car tax. 

If you are the registered keeper of an untaxed vehicle, 

. This amount will be halved if you pay within 28 days.

When cancelling your car tax, you’ll need your V5C—found on the front of your car’s logbook.

You need the V5C to prove you’re the registered owner of the car. It has a code that you must give to the DVLA to secure a tax refund.

Don’t have your V5C? You can cancel car tax without v5. But instead, you’ll need a V11.

The V11 is a document issued by the DVLA to remind you to tax the car or to confirm it’s SORN. 

Can’t find your V5C or V11? Don’t panic. 

You can order replacement V5Cs before you request tax refunds or sell your car. They cost £25 and can be 

How much money do you get from a car tax refund?

How much money you get from a cancelled tax refund depends on how you paid.

For example, if you pay car tax via direct debit, the DVLA will cancel future payments. 

You'll receive a refund for unused months if you've paid for a full year in advance.

 are based on the lower of your first payment or the rate for subsequent payments. The refund is calculated from the date the DVLA receives your info, not when you send it.

Direct debit payments will be automatically cancelled as well. Easy!

Step-by-step guide for cancelling your car tax

Ready? Follow the steps below to cancel tax on a car:

Car tax refunds are paid by postal cheque. Although you may have been paying electronically, the DVLA still works via paper.

Payments are sent to the address where the car was registered. 

If you receive a cheque with incorrect information (e.g., the wrong name), you can return it with a note to:

Typically, the DVLA takes up to 10 business days to process car tax refund applications. 

Once your refund is confirmed, the payment will be sent out and may take up to 10 more business days to arrive.

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t receive your payment or hear back within four weeks, you should contact the DVLA again.

What if my car tax refund doesn’t arrive?

If over eight weeks have passed without communication or your refund, you must contact the DVLA.

You can do this via email, phone, or post.

How to cancel tax on a car - Final thoughts

Knowing how to cancel car tax before you begin will save you time (and 

Bookmark this guide so you have it on hand when it’s time to secure your car tax return.

Tax isn’t the only expense car drivers need to pay. Costly repairs and emergency expenses can also add up. But it doesn't have to be a wallet-breaking affair.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra fee. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How To Cancel Car Tax and Get Your Money Back

Need to attach a trailer or caravan to your car? There are 

The UK towing laws were changed in December 2021, and if you haven’t towed since, you might need to re-familiarise yourself with these updates. 

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new towing laws in the UK, whether you need a towing caravan licence, and how to stay safe while towing.

don’t need an additional towing licence.

However, you will need a full UK driving licence if you intend to tow a caravan, horsebox, trailer or boat behind your car.

The one scenario where you need a towing licence is if your trailer’s maximum authorised mass (MASS) is over 3,500kg. 

In the past, not all driver’s licences were equal. But today, all licences can tow. 

Before the 2021 new towing laws, only those who had their test before 1st January 1997 could tow. These licenses allowed towing of a car and trailers with a combined weight of 8,250kg. 

If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, you would have had to pass another test for an extra towing licence. 

The towing law changes in 2021 now allow all licences to tow up to 3,500kg as mandatory towing tests have been stopped. 

Towing weight differences for UK driving licences

So, now all licences can tow caravans and trailers. However, there are still different restrictions depending on when you passed your test.

Here’s a quick overview of the different weight allowances:

If you break the towing law limits, you can be banned from driving, fined up to £1,000, and you may receive six points on your driving licence. 

Finding out your maximum vehicle and tow weight

The new towing laws are based on combined weight limits, which you can determine by checking your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. 

This information is typically found in your car's handbook or on the manufacturer's website. Understanding this weight limit is essential to ensure compliance with legal requirements when towing.

You can skip the handbook and calculate it by subtracting the vehicle's kerb weight from its maximum allowable mass (MAM). 

These figures, which include the car, trailer, passengers, and luggage, are also referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Train Weight (GTW). 

Any trailer over 750kg must be braked, and caravans, which range from 1,000kg to 2,500kg, typically require brakes. For example, a Vauxhall Corsa can tow up to 1,200kg, except for the 75bhp 1.2-litre model, which is limited to 500kg. 

The higher towing limit suits small caravans, but adding passengers and luggage may increase the weight. 

Caravan and trailer towing size restrictions

Alongside weight guidance, you should remember size restrictions. 

A trailer can be up to 7 meters long and 2.55 meters wide. But if it’s wider than your car, mirror extenders are required. 

While the maximum height isn’t clearly defined, keeping it under 1.7 times the trailer’s track width (usually around 3 meters) is recommended. 

 The minimum clearance under most UK bridges is 5 meters. So, keep this in mind if you want to move tall items.

Can electric cars tow trailers and caravans?

 are suitable for towing. However, since EVs rely on charging points, they might not be ideal for towing long distances.

Is there an age limit on the new towing laws?

No—towing laws have always required drivers to be 18 years old. 

Special towing licences and courses aren’t needed anymore, but they’re still recommended for all ages to help you become familiar with driving with a trailer or caravan.

However, it’s a good idea to check your coverage or opt for coverage that includes towing to protect you against potential damages or loss.

Some comprehensive policies cover towing, but others only offer third-party liability. This covers you for property damages or injuries, but not any problems with the actual trailer.

Final tips for safety with the new towing laws in the UK

Whether it’s your first time towing or not, brushing up on safety tips is always a good idea. 

Here are some best practice towing suggestions:

Last-minute repairs and emergency expenses can take the fun out of any road trips or caravan holidays. But it doesn't have to be an expensive affair.

New Towing Laws In The UK: What trailer and caravan owners should know

From April 2025, the double-cab pickup tax will change as these vehicles will no longer be classified as commercial vehicles. 

This will lead to big tax increases for some owners, so it's important to determine whether the commercial vehicle tax changes will affect you before they're implemented. 

Find the essential details and how they'll affect you below.

What are the UK pick-up truck tax changes?

double-cab pickup trucks will be classified as cars for tax purposes. 

The new tax comes as part of the 2024 autumn budget.

for these vehicles. BiK are goods and services provided to an employee at a reduced rate or for free.

Currently, light commercial vehicles (e.g., double cab pickups with a carrying capacity of one tonne or more) are subject to a flat BiK tax rate of £3,960 annually for company drivers.

However, starting in April 2025, they’ll be reclassified as cars, and BiK tax will instead be calculated on a sliding scale based on emissions.

 of most double-cab pickups, this change is expected to substantially increase drivers' tax bills.

An example of the new commercial vehicle tax changes

The new pick-up truck tax changes will depend on what kind of vehicle you own. Let's quickly look at an example.

 that falls into the highest BiK bracket for company cars, you may end up 

This is almost three times the current flat rate for light commercial vehicles.

It's a significant hit for tradespeople who depend on these trucks for their work.

What to do for existing double-cab pickup trucks?

Do you already own a double-cab pickup truck? HMRC has announced transitional BiK tax arrangements for employers who have bought and invested in these vehicles.

Any business that purchased, ordered, or leased a double cab pickup before April 2025 can continue using previous tax treatments. 

However, note that this transactional treatment will only be valid until:

So, if you currently have one of these pickups, you have some flexibility before and after the new tax rules are implemented. 

Effects of the new pick-up truck tax changes

Aside from higher taxes, what do these changes mean for the industry?

The new regulations may lead businesses in industries like construction and farming to rethink their pickup vehicle fleets.

While reliable, double-cab pickups will face higher BiK taxes, which will lead to increased costs for employers due to added National Insurance contributions. 

 to reduce the tax burden, which still benefits from lower BiK rates. We might also see a switch to

 which offer reduced taxes thanks to their lower emissions.

Running any vehicle can get expensive, especially when you’re facing last-minute repairs and emergency expenses.

Double Cab Pick Up Tax Changes - What To Know Before April 2025

In the last 10 to 20 years Hyundai have gone from a relatively unknown brand from South Korea to one of the most popular marques on UK roads. 

They have infiltrated every market segment from the compact i10 up to the Tucson SUV. 

But during their 57 years in business, what are the stand-out cars made by Hyundai?

Formed in South Korea in 1967, Hyundai initially began producing the Cortina under license from Ford. It wasn’t until 1976 that their first in-house design; the Pony, was released; it was sold in the UK from 1982 until 1990. 

Since then, Hyundai have regularly ranked highly in reliability leaderboards, and have gradually acquired more and more market share in the UK.

Since 2016 Hyundai have used the name Ioniq in relation to its EV and hybrid vehicles, the first one being a hybrid hatchback to rival the Toyota Prius. In recent years the IONIQ branding has been applied almost as a sub-brand for Hyundai's electric and hybrid lineup.

Today the IONIQ brand produces some of the most innovative and striking electric vehicles on the market, alongside their tried-and-tested lineup of i10, i20 and i30 

Especially in recent years, Hyundai have scored excellent rankings in reliability indexes, often landing more than one car in the top 10 most reliable. 

They also have a track record of honouring warranty claims, here are our most reliable Hyundai cars.

Hyundai Tucson SUV 2022 - Present - £32,000

 represents great value, especially in the SUV segment it leads; it was ranked no.2 in Honest John’s 2024 reliability guide, beaten narrowly by the Lexus NX.

Still on sale today the Tucson is available in either petrol or petrol hybrid guise, and a wide array of options to pick from.

As Hyundai’s first offering with a hybrid and EV option, the IONIQ was a big step for Hyundai, it remained in production, with substantial styling changes from 2016 to 2022, where it was phased out due to consumer demand for SUV and crossover style vehicles. 

Whilst no longer made, the IONIQ can offer great value on the used carmarket, with low mileage 2023 registered cars being advertised for under £12,000.

 represent great packaging and value, it has been repeatedly touted as one of the most reliable small cars on the market. The second generation made from 2013 to 2019 scored 98.6% in the small car category of WhatCar?’s reliability report.

That said, the current generation is also well-regarded for being reliable, and at just over £16,000 on the road, it won’t break the bank either.

 are becoming ever more popular, Hyundai is not missing any opportunities, offering multiple models, ranging from small to large, with every fuel type possible.

 utility vehicle, but the Ioniq 5 is comparable in size to others in the sector. Speaking of size, the Ioniq 5 is definitely not one of the bigger SUVs on the road, which is not a bad thing, its packaging offers a 

The range starts at £39,900, but don’t think this is a plain base spec, it still comes with a heated 

, highway driving assist and a 12” touchscreen nav system.

 is a mid-size SUV, offering ample room for 4 people and luggage, but is not as tall or wide as the largest SUVs on the road.

At £32,000 it is good value, especially considering the lowest trim level ‘Advance’ comes with rain sensing 

Even though most of their lineup has been economy and practicality-focused, Hyundai do make some sporty vehicles.

Aimed as a rival to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the 

 is Hyundai's fastest accelerating car by a large margin, achieving 60 mph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds. By all accounts it handles well for an EV too.

The Ioniq 5 N is on sale now, with prices starting at £65,000 it’s not a cheap car, but it’s almost £10,000 cheaper than the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, another main competitor.

Named the Tiburon outside of Europe, the Hyundai Coupe was the brand's first foray into a 2-door sports coupe. 

Whilst it wasn’t anywhere near as popular as its main rival the Toyota Celica, it still received praise for its handling and value. 

A choice of three engines saw most opting for the mid-range 2.0 petrol, there was a 2.7 V6 option, which sounded great, but didn’t really deliver the performance you’d expect. 

Second-hand prices are low, with V6 versions selling for sub £2,000 online.

 Golf R and Honda Civic Type R, with the same great formula; a compact hatchback with a serious amount of power. At either 250 or 280 horsepower and with only around 1,300kg to move, it’s no surprise it can reach 60mph in 5.4 seconds.

Unfortunately for hot enthusiasts the I30N will no longer be offered after 2024, despite good sales figures. Thankfully there are plenty on the secondhand market, with 2018 models selling for under £15,000.

The Santa Fe is the largest Hyundai SUV, with the Tucson being the mid-size of the range. The Tucson is available as either a 6 or 7 seater.

As standard Hyundai offers a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty across all its new car range.

Whilst the duration is fairly standard, if not low compared to some brands (Kia’s 7 years for instance) the unlimited mileage factor is impressive, making a new Hyundai an ideal car for someone who does 

In 1998 Hyundai bought the controlling share of Kia, whilst their share has reduced from 51% to around 34% in 2023, they are still considered a major shareholder. 

Whilst the two companies operate mostly separate from one another, they do share parts such as powertrains and engines across brands. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

7 Best Hyundai Models

Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, from the original mid-size saloon Prius to enormous SUVs like the BMW X7 hybrid, but what if you just need a smaller car, for city driving or short trips? 

These are some of the best small hybrids on sale today.

 has long been a favourite in the small car segment. Known for its reliability, the Yaris combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to achieve remarkable fuel economy. With a spacious interior and decent boot space, it’s perfect for city driving while remaining practical for longer journeys.

At 129 horsepower the Yaris Hybrid has plenty of power to keep up with city traffic, and shouldn’t find motorways difficult either. A vibrant infotainment screen gives Android auto and Apple Car Play.

 is celebrated for its versatile interior and practicality. With a clever 'Magic Seat' feature that makes the most of its cabin space, the Jazz hybrid's economical hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it a fantastic choice.

Exterior styling is very reminiscent of the previous generation Jazz, but with a sleek modernisation bringing it firmly up to date with Honda's other models, such as its bigger brother, the Civic.

As one of the cheapest new hybrids out there, the 

 offers great value, not only will it do over 64 miles to the gallon, but it also has a 10.5” touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a 7” screen for the digital dash.

Whilst the basic SE spec doesn’t get blind spot detection, it does have adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and forward collision avoidance – an impressive amount of safety features for the price.

4. Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid - £21,395

 offers a stylish SUV-esque exterior paired with a hybrid powertrain that performs well both in the city and on the motorway. Its compact size makes it easier to manoeuvre than a mid-sized SUV, while the spacious interior ensures comfort for passengers. 

At just under £21,400 the Evolution trim level comes with 17” diamond cut alloys, a 10.4” infotainment screen and rear-view camera.

 is the cherry on the top for those looking for great fuel mileage, with up to 74 MPG achievable. Power is provided by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine, and a 59kW electric motor. 

The base trim, or grade as Mazda term it, is the Centre-Line, which comes with keyless entry, various safety features and a 9” infotainment screen. Multiple stylish colours are available, though the pearl ones will add to the final bill.

Suzuki are famed for making great small cars, and the 

 has been a favourite since its release in the UK in the late 1980s. The hybrid version then, is sure to be popular too! It comes with a mild hybrid system assisting the 1.2-litre petrol engine and plenty of tech.

As standard, the Swift Hybrid comes with heated seats, keyless entry, rear parking camera, and blind spot detection, among a host of other safety features. It really is packed full, especially for such a competitive price and compact size.

 uses a mild hybrid system, and its simplicity allows the bargain price of sub £17,000. Instead of a high voltage battery system, it used a 12v lithium battery in place of the normal car battery, and in effect a beefy starter motor to aid the engine; it does not have an electric-only mode.

Despite this, the 500 Hybrid is a fantastic city car, offering reasonably good MPG from the fizzy 3-cylinder petrol engine, and its ability to be parked in the tightest of spots is unparalleled. As with all 500s, its styling and quirkiness add plenty to the deal too.

 has been a favourite small hatchback since its introduction in the 90s, famed for not only practicality but French style too, the latest Hybrid edition also brings great fuel economy and a peppy 145hp.

Fitted with plenty of safety tech, alongside a multimedia touchscreen and digital dash, the new Clio has all the bells and whistles. Prices start from £21,695 which is pretty good value considering the modern Clio is considerably larger than it used to be, offering better people and luggage space.

9. Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-in Hybrid - £19,995

, Mercedes has created one of the most popular small cars in the last 10 years, worlds apart from the original cumbersome shape. It has been available with petrol and diesel engines since 2012, but the Hybrid released around 2020 offers better economy and electric-only range.

In typical Mercedes fashion, the interior is well-made and features plenty of upmarket materials. The engine is a small 1.3-litre petrol unit with an electric motor and battery combo giving 47 miles of electric-only range.

Available in full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or diesel guises, 

 should be able to fit most people's requirements. Not only are the engines hi-tec but the styling has been thoroughly revamped to suit the rest of the modern Peugeot line, with angular facets and dot matrix-like grilles.

If you have a short commute and the facility to charge at home, the plug-in would be perfect, with 35 miles of electric-only range. Otherwise, the self-charging is the one for you. Thankfully all models come with infotainment screens, diamond-cut alloy wheels and sleek styling.

Depending on your use case, a small hybrid car could be the ideal choice for you. They can often achieve excellent MPG figures, whilst the modern tech gives the same convenience and luxury as a bigger car.

Can You Still Drive a Hybrid Without the Battery?

Yes, you can drive a hybrid on petrol power only, this is useful as EV batteries deplete over time, to the point where some early electric vehicles can only achieve 10% of their original range. Thankfully you can still use the petrol or diesel engine of a hybrid, even if the battery is worn out, just don’t expect to hit the same MPG figures as a new one.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best Small Hybrid Cars

With winter just around the corner, more extreme weather predicted left right and centre, and the road condition worsening, now might be the best time to jump into a 4x4 for your next car, but what are the best ones to look for?

4 wheel drive was invented for increased traction off-road, so I’ve added this section for useful but still comfortable 4x4s, perfect for anyone who lives in a rural area and needs to travel over rough terrain.

, itself being an evolution of the Series Landrover of old, being so revered, Land Rover had their work cut out bringing a completely new version to market. The new Defender is a good homage to the old one, albeit with much more luxury and comfort, although that isn’t hard!

Starting at £57,420 for the utility hard top version, with steel wheels and one paint finish option, the Defender is priced to the upper end of the market. Inside you’ll find a blend of old and new styling with a few callbacks to the classic Landy.

Although predominantly a pickup truck, the 

 offers plenty of passenger space alongside a very useful pickup bed, if you add on the optional tonneau cover this is essentially a huge boot!

Because many of the users of the Ranger double cab treat it as an SUV rather than a pickup, the interior is kitted out with all the mod cons you’d expect in a high-end Ford, including touchscreen infotainment, adaptive cruise and more, a utilitarian pick-up it is not!

As an established chemical processing company, Ineos doesn’t have the pedigree of Ford or Land Rover, but that hasn’t stopped them from producing a dependable and impressive vehicle in 

The mantra the company publicised was that the Grenadier is to be the “spiritual successor" to the outgoing Defender, and many argue it fills that gap better than the new Defender. 

Whatever your opinion, you can’t argue with its ruggedness, with its heavy-duty ladder-chassis, permanent 4-wheel drive and front and rear skid plates. 

If we’re being honest most 4-wheel drive vehicles rarely see dirt, and as such don’t need to offer long-travel suspension or locking differentials. 

Advice

How To Cancel Car Tax and Get Your Money Back

New Towing Laws In The UK: What trailer and caravan owners should know

Double Cab Pick Up Tax Changes - What To Know Before April 2025

7 Best Hyundai Models

Best Small Hybrid Cars

Best 4-Wheel Drive Cars You Can Buy

Snow day driving mistake that could get you 3 points

What Are The Best Diesel Hybrids?