How much does it cost to run a car in the UK per year?

The average annual cost to run a car in the UK is around £3,000–£4,500, covering road tax (VED), fuel, insurance, MOT and servicing. Costs vary significantly by car size, engine type, age and your annual mileage.

What is included in the running costs estimate?

Our estimate covers five components: road tax (VED), annual fuel cost based on your mileage, the MOT test fee, an average insurance estimate, and annual servicing costs. We do not include depreciation, tyres, or unexpected repairs.

How accurate is the fuel cost estimate?

The fuel cost is based on an estimated real-world MPG for the vehicle's engine size and fuel type, combined with current UK average fuel prices. It is a guide only — your actual MPG and fuel spend will depend on driving style, traffic conditions, and local fuel prices.

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Car Running Costs Calculator

Total Annual Cost to Run Any UK Car

Enter the registration and your yearly mileage to get a personalised annual running cost estimate — road tax, fuel, MOT, insurance, and servicing all in one place.

Estimated Annual Running Cost

Road Tax (VED)

Fuel

MOT

Insurance (estimate)

Servicing (estimate)

Oil, filters, typical consumables

Need to check something else?

Road Tax Calculator ULEZ Check Fuel Calculator

What's included in the estimate?

✅ Included

Road tax (VED) — from DVLA data + CO2 band
Annual fuel cost — based on your mileage & estimated MPG
MOT test fee — DVSA maximum fee (£54.85)
Insurance — UK average estimate by age & engine size
Servicing — oil & filter changes, typical annual maintenance

❌ Not included

Depreciation
Tyres and brake pads
Unexpected repairs
Parking and congestion charges
Finance or loan repayments

The AA estimates the average UK motorist spends around £3,300–£5,500/year on running costs (excluding depreciation). Our calculator gives you a vehicle-specific breakdown so you can compare real options before you buy.