For more information and to make a complaint, please click here.

Motor Finance Commission Complaints

From settlement figures to making a payment, head to our FAQs to find the answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Got a question?

Home

Contact us

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Terms of service

Complaints data

Gender Pay Gap Report.pdf

Gender Pay Gap Report

Slavery and human trafficking statement

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) Lending Code

About us

Our finance options

FAQs

Security

Support tailored to you

Insurance

Payment support

Testimonials

Bereavement support

Tariff of charges

Complaints

Dealer site

Careers

Products & links

While a car’s primary function is to get us from A to B, sometimes, it’s not just the destination that matters; it’s the journey that gets us there.  

Don’t get us wrong, we love an efficient journey. Whether that’s one that conserves as much fuel/electricity as possible, or one that cuts your travel time down. Sometimes, though, you might want to take in the sights and scenery or enjoy some particularly exhilarating driving experiences.  

As you venture across Europe, there are many iconic roads to spend some time on. To ensure you get the most out of your next venture, we’ve compiled this list of the best European driving roads that everyone should experience.  

Don't forget, before you go anywhere, make sure you’re up to date with the terms and conditions from MotoNovo in our FAQs: Can I take my vehicle abroad?

Although Eifel is a mountain range spanning multiple winding roads and routes, for car lovers, it couldn’t be more iconic. Eifel is the local area surrounding the historic Nürburgring race circuit, which is one of its main attractions. Granted, the ‘ring is probably far off your road trip checklist, but Eifel and its quaint towns and many castles can certainly feature on it.  

Not only is Eifel noteworthy for the Nürburgring, the area is extremely picturesque, surrounded by German mountain ranges and local villages. 

Any list of iconic European driving roads wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Autobahn.  

The Autobahn directly connects Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg, allowing users to easily navigate the country at a speed that suits them.  

Not only does the Autobahn give drivers the chance to put their car to the test (while being safe, of course), it is also a very practical mode of transport. Drivers are permitted to drive to any maximum speed that they wish, enabling extremely efficient travel throughout Germany, spanning over 8,000 miles in length.  

Everyone loves a scenic route. There is perhaps no more scenic of a route than those found high up in the Austrian Alps.  

Granted, the alps are vast and varied, which gives you a few options. In particular, we’re referring to both Nockalm Road and Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Nockalm Road is a 34 km stretch of road which takes you up and down the Alps amongst luscious greens and mountain ranges.  

Approximately two and a half hours away from Nockalm Road is Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This 48 km long stretch of road is praised as one of the top three sights in Austria, sitting at an elevation of 2,500m and offering views of Austria’s highest mountain: Grossglockner. Although a little further away, you’ll also get a glimpse of Austria’s largest glacier, Pasterze Glacier.  

Targa Florio used to be a road race held in Sicily’s mountain ranges. It held its first race in 1906, before being discontinued in 1977. In later years, the same region was used as part of the Italian Rally Championships, with its last race taking place in 2019.  

Not only is the race circuit still accessible to the public, it’s both visually impressive and exciting to drive, especially for motorsports/rally fans.  

One thing to note is that the circuit is largely unchanged from its rally days. This means that some cars may struggle to navigate the terrain. Be sure to take your time while driving through! 

If you’re feeling adventurous, we’ve planned a rough itinerary for a round-trip around Europe. This trip spans roughly 1,700 miles, offering 30 or so hours of European driving with beautiful sights in between. 

As with all great European adventures, your two week road trip will begin in Dover, at the Eurotunnel. This first leg is a relatively short one, taking approximately an hour and a half (or 51 miles) to get you to Calais, France.  

As your first full day of adventure, you’ll set off to Paris, spanning over 170 miles across France.  

This gives you two route options: you can either go via the A16, which offers sights of the French countryside, or a slightly more direct route via the A26 and A1. 

The whole journey can be conquered in a day, so we suggest booking a hotel in Paris to spend your second day enjoying the sights, food, and atmosphere that the French capital brings.  

Making your way even further across France, the next leg of your journey will take you towards Italy via Lyon. 

This is yet another long travel day, spanning as far as 300 miles or more, depending on the route you take. 

After spending a day in Lyon, you’ll cross over into Italy as you venture toward Milan.  

This spans approximately 250 miles of road via either the A43 or A4, with toll roads in between.  

It is a pleasant drive, though. You’ll pass varied sights like mountain ranges and valleys in the Piedmont region, all before you reach Italy’s fashion capital of Milan. 

Once you’ve sufficiently explored everything Milan has to offer, you can then start your next phase of the journey heading North towards Munich, Germany.  

For a scenic beginning, you could wrap around Lake Como in Italy, before tackling the remaining 270 or so miles ahead of you into Bavaria’s capital city.  

This next phase is a lengthy one, so we recommend setting aside a couple of days to get the journey done. This does, however, offer a trip through Germany’s Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) – a roughly 217-mile-long stretch of picturesque road that ends in Würzburg.  

The journey from Munich will take you around 60-70 miles until you get to the Romantic Road, before you then tackle a further 170-190 or so miles until you reach Würzburg. 

From Würzburg, a relatively simple journey spanning approximately 180 miles will take you to Cologne.  

After stopping in Germany’s fourth-largest city for a day or two, you begin the final stretch of your journey towards Calais, right where your European road trip began.  Halfway through this leg, you’ll pass through Belgium at around 130 miles. At this stage, you can stop off for the day, or press on a further 130 or so miles until you reach Calais – bringing the trip to a close.  

Note: This trip passes through multiple countries and may encompass toll bridges. Be sure to check each country’s travel requirements before setting off. Road usage may vary depending on your hotel stops.  

For more detailed insights like this, stick to the MotoNovo blog. Here, we cover practical tips and guides around car maintenance, as well as eye-opening stories around the thrills of driving, just like this one.  

The top places to visit in Europe by car 

Engine and fuel choice is one of the most important decisions a car buyer will make. Do you go all in on the electric lifestyle? Do you dip your toes in with a hybrid? Or do you remain dedicated to your petrol or diesel engines? 

Now that electric cars have matured enough to be seen as serious options in the market, the decision becomes even harder to make. But, with fuel and utility costs slowly making their way down, there are considerations to make no matter where you look. 

To help you make that crucial choice, here, we shed some light on the current situation with petrol, diesel, and electricity.  

Petrol prices now cost 135.54p per litre on average. That’s a 15p drop over the price of petrol from April last year, which was 150.6p. 

Using data from RAC, we see that diesel currently costs 138.55p on average in the UK. The cheapest supermarket for diesel is Asda, at 134.7p. The most expensive supermarket is Tesco, at 135.1p. 

As of June 2025, the Ofgem price cap puts electricity costs at 27.03p per kWh.  

This cost is due to come down to 25.73p per kWh under the next price cap between 1st July 2025 to 30th September.  

For public charging points, we’ll use some more data from RAC. 

According to them, different speed chargers will have different pence per kilowatt hour figures, making them over three times more expensive than at-home charging in the worst case scenario. 

The price cap is a limit on electric and gas costs that’s set by the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem. It reflects the wholesale price but protects consumers from excessive swings in energy costs.  

If we follow the figures we’ve just uncovered and apply some testing, we can quickly put things into perspective.  

Assuming a petrol/diesel tank size of 55 litres, filling a car with petrol could cost £74.55.  

For a diesel car, you’re looking at £76.20.  

When it comes to electric cars, we’ll use some estimates for a mid-range battery capacity of 40 kWh. 

To charge a car of this capacity, you’ll see a cost of:  

£10.81 (£10.29 under the next price cap) for at-home charging 

Cost per mile: electric cars vs petrol and diesel

By making some further assumptions around aspects like miles per gallon and electric vehicle range, we can determine the cost efficiency of petrol, diesel, and electric cars. 

Assuming an average of 40 miles per gallon in a petrol car and 50 in a diesel, a full tank could get you 484 miles in a petrol car and 605 in a diesel.  

This brings the cost per mile estimate to: 

If we assume a 40 kWh EV has a range of 150 miles, the cost per mile ranges between 7p and 27p, depending on the type of charger used. 

With a cost per mile of 7p, at-home charging is by far the cheapest way to charge an EV. However, it’s also the longest. The higher the output of a charger, the more costly it becomes. So, you need to make a choice: do you pay less to charge longer, or pay more to charge quicker? 

Petrol and diesel cars can cost nearly twice as much to fill up compared to a full charge on an EV. Though, filling a car with petrol and diesel takes substantially less time compared to charging an EV, regardless of the charge speed.  

The motoring market is always changing. From new cars to new technology, there’s a lot to keep track of. With MotoNovo, you can stay informed on all the relevant developments, whether that’s a change in fuel costs or new car releases. Stick to the MotoNovo blog to find out more.  

Car fuel compared: Is electric cheaper than petrol and diesel?

The open road. Full of adventure, spanning hundreds of thousands of miles, several continents, and hundreds of countries. It presents the opportunity for the road trip of a lifetime.  

While you may be well-equipped to drive in your own country, the winding roads, routes, laws, and practicalities of driving abroad can feel daunting to say the least. Though, you shouldn’t let that put you off – there are some great adventures to be had. 

If you’re about to head off on a trip abroad that involves driving, we’ve developed this checklist for everything you need. This article will help you prepare an exciting road trip, wherever you end up. 

Don’t forget before you go anywhere, make sure you’re up to date with the terms and conditions from Motonovo in our FAQs: Can I take my vehicle abroad?  

Your car should be the first thing you check before hitting the road on your next big adventure. 

Sometimes, breaking down is inevitable, especially if you’re planning on driving for multiple hours at a time. However, some initial preparation work can reduce the severity of the issues that you face. 

So, before you sit in the driver’s seat, make sure you check the following items on your car: 

If anything’s low, missing, or faulty, be sure to get it looked at prior to starting your trip. If possible, we’d also recommend packing some spares. You can never be too prepared. 

Depending on where your journey takes you, you’ll be required to prepare and present various pieces of paperwork along the way. This is particularly true if passing borders between different countries or driving a rented vehicle in a designated place. 

When driving in Europe, for example, you’ll need to bring the following documentation to avoid any complications: 

Insurance certificates (driving and travel) 

These items are needed for most other parts of the world, but we recommend checking the laws of the country you’re headed beforehand to be sure.  

In addition to these checklists, certain countries will demand you to bring extra equipment while entering them via car. Some European countries, for example, demand that you bring first aid kits, while others require high-visibility jackets just in case they’re needed.  

To account for most scenarios, we’ve compiled this list of the essential items you may need while driving abroad: 

An effective, efficient route is a gamechanger while driving abroad. By planning things in advance, you can avoid delays, distractions, and (sometimes) unnecessary surcharges, as well as factor in fuel refills and a chance to stop and stretch your legs.

While a sat nav will handle most of this work for you, we recommend putting together a rough itinerary of where you’d like to be by certain days. This will help you visualise the journey a lot better, and help you get even more value from the trip than you might’ve originally expected. 

We know you’re excited and that you want to get to the next stop of your journey as soon as possible. But, before you do so, make sure to give yourself a few minutes of break/relaxation time while on your journey. 

Driving fatigue can be very dangerous to not only yourself but those around you, too.  

Other countries will use their native language when writing road signs, which can be confusing if you’re travelling with a sat nav or via Waze/Google Maps. Therefore, you might want to consider learning a few common phrases ready for when your journey begins.  

Stop, go, delay, junction, traffic; these are just a few words to learn in preparation for your journey. This can come in especially handy if there are any unforeseen delays in your journey. Speaking to a nearby local or at a motorway service station is often the best source of information for your route.  

Some locations on your journey will have their own rules compared to others. This could revolve around the insurance your car is protected by, the documents you need to safely travel, or specific equipment that you’ll need to have on hand. Some countries, for example, won’t let you travel/drive in them without a first aid kit or warning triangles.  

Make sure you look up these rules before setting off. Failing to comply can have some serious consequences.  

We want you to enjoy your car to the fullest. To do so, we’ve prepared many guides on travel best practices just like this one. For some extra reading on long-distance travel in your car, check out our other article: Our 9 top tips for driving long distances. 

Tips for driving abroad: Your essential checklist 

Although it’s still cold outside, the winter months are slowly coming to an end, which can only mean one thing: spring is coming!

Alongside the increase in outdoor temperature, spring is a great time of year for getting your affairs in order, including your car. That’s right, it’s not just your home that needs a good cleaning; it’s easy for your car to get cluttered amidst the winter madness.

Start spring on the right foot with our ultimate spring cleaning checklist for your beloved motor.

First up we have the less involved car spring cleaning tasks.

Dust is unforgiving in your car. There are so many small crevices and cracks for dust to collect over time, becoming a major eyesore for you and your passengers. Not only does dust not look the best, but it can also cause some mechanical issues if left untouched.

For example, if dust clogs up your fan vents, you may suffocate them and cause them to work harder than needed. To fix this, simply take a damp cloth and wipe down all the dust around the car.

Using a damp cloth is key. Dry cloths will simply move the dust from one place to another, whereas a damp cloth will actually pick the dust up. You can use those slime-like tools that promise to get into your fan vents, but a damp cloth can be just as effective (and cheaper!).

After dusting, the most logical step to take with spring cleaning your car is giving it a good vacuum. Vacuuming before dusting just causes the dust to bounce around the vehicle, so lift as much as you can prior to doing so.

Leave no surface untouched while vacuuming. Carpets, seats, the boot, and floor mats – all of them gather dirt, which should lift quite easily with a vacuum.

With your interior free from dust and freshly vacuumed, now comes the time to get it sparkly clean.

One thing to bear in mind while cleaning your car is that some cleaning solutions will promise varying levels of ‘finish’ on your car’s plastic/leather surfaces. Anything that promises a ‘glossy finish’ will usually contain some sort of additive designed to leave a sheen on top of the plastic. If you’re a purist, avoid these solutions where possible. Instead, stick to anything that has ‘matte finish’ on the bottle.

Gloss finishes might look nice at first glance, but they’ll often leave behind a streaky finish on your clear plastic surfaces (speedo/odometers and infotainment screens, for example). Not only can these look bad, but they can impact your driving. Glossy surfaces also provide less grip compared to matte ones, so practice caution when handling/using your steering wheel.

The average car owner will rarely use tools like pre-wash for their car. But, you’re not average!

Pre-wash is a very useful tool for your car spring cleaning checklist as it does a lot of work with very little effort on your behalf. Before even a drop of water touches your paint’s surface, evenly apply a few sprays of pre-wash to every body panel on your car and let it sit for around 10 minutes.

After enough time has passed, you’ll notice that the pre-wash picks up and releases a lot of the surface-level imperfections in the paint with zero scrubbing – an excellent benefit for both short washes and more involved detailing sessions.

Once your pre-wash has worked its magic, it’s important to get all of the dirt removed from your car. Heading straight in with a sponge at this stage can ruin your paint, so do not skip this step!

With some cold, clean water, work your way around every visible exterior surface of your car until all of the dirt, salt, and asphalt is gone. Don’t forget the wheels!

Depending on how dirty your car was, at this stage, you can potentially call it a rest and be done for the day. But, if you want perfection, the last remaining step of your exterior spring clean is the hand wash.

We advise using the two-bucket method for washing your car. The idea is simple – you have one bucket for rinsing sponges, and the other for adding fresh, cleaning water. This ensures that no dirt makes its way back onto your car after you’ve washed it off.

Although they may sound daunting, some cars have user-serviceable air filters that are easy to reach and work with. Certain vehicles have them in the driver’s footwell, adjacent to the accelerator. They’re usually hidden with a plastic panel, and simply pull outward from their holding compartments for quick removal and replacement.

That’s not the only air filter to change, though. There’s usually an air intake filter to be replaced that sits in your car’s engine bay. The instructions for replacing these will vary depending on your car, but the steps are relatively transferable.

While topping up your oil isn’t necessarily a cleaning task, per se, it is a good idea to check in on your oil at regular intervals. Cleaning is a good opportunity to do this, especially if you’re attempting to clean the engine bay itself.

Simply remove the dip stick and check the oil levels as you usually would. If you see your levels are low, add a bit more fresh oil to the system by locating the filler cap, unscrewing it, and pouring more oil in via a funnel.

An often-overlooked part of mechanical car cleaning and maintenance is the petrol system, and for good reason. The petrol tank isn’t exactly the most visible of elements, so it makes sense why it goes unchecked. 

Thankfully, cleaning the petrol system is a fairly painless exercise, thanks to fuel additives. These solutions are meant to be poured into the tank prior to filling up. As fuel makes its way through your car, the additive will help break down any carbon deposits to help fuel flow through.

If you’re a frequent user of ‘premium’ fuel, you very likely won’t need to do this as often. Premium fuel is designed to have these additives included from the start.

Found your dream car? Keep it looking and functioning its best with the motoring advice on our blog. We cover a range of topics, from general car maintenance to cleaning guidance, and many more.

Spring has nearly sprung! Get your car in tip-top shape this year with our car spring cleaning checklist. Read our maintenance and cleaning tricks, here.  

Spring cleaning checklist for your car

We all have different driving styles. Some of us like to plan every journey, while others take a more relaxed approach. But, what does that say about our driver personality? Becoming more self-aware behind the wheel can help you better understand your driving habits and behaviours. From 'The Family Chauffeur' to the 'The City Commuter' and everything in between, we’ve identified some common driving personality examples.

Let’s hit the road and discover which one sounds most like you.

You’re all about making sure everything is in top condition before you hit the road. You check your car regularly—tyres, oil, window screen wash—everything’s ready for a smooth drive.

You know the importance of a well-maintained car and make sure it's prepped for the journey ahead, whether it’s a short trip or a long haul. You like to drive with peace of mind, knowing everything is sorted before you get started.

Regularly checking the car’s tyres, oil, and coolant levels

Always topping up windscreen wash before hitting the road

Carrying essential tools, like a spare tyre, jump leads, and basic emergency supplies

For you, driving isn’t about racing to your destination—it’s about taking your time and enjoying the ride. Whether it’s a Sunday drive through the countryside or a leisurely trip into town, you like to keep things steady and stress-free.

Preferring scenic routes over faster motorways

For you, every drive is a performance. Whether you’re belting out ballads on the motorway or getting caught at a red light with a solo concert, music is essential. You're always on the go, juggling coffee, squeezing in a dance break when the vibe hits, and making sure the journey is just as fun as the destination.

Always having a playlist ready for any drive

Enjoying spontaneous sing-alongs or dance breaks during the journey

You’ve mastered the art of navigating rush-hour traffic, squeezing into tight parking spaces, and timing your trips to avoid congestion.

For you, the daily drive isn’t just a routine—it’s a carefully planned operation. You know the shortcuts, the best times to hit the road, and which lanes move fastest. Efficiency is key, and every trip is a chance to fine-tune your strategy.

Timing traffic lights and bus lanes like a pro

Occasionally getting frustrated with slow-moving traffic

You love the journey just as much as the destination. Whether it’s a coastal drive, a countryside escape, or a scenic route with a stop at your favourite services (like Tebay in Cumbria), you make the most of every trip.

Your car is stocked with snacks, a carefully curated playlist, and a flexible itinerary—because the best adventures are the ones that unfold along the way.

Enjoying long scenic routes (perhaps around the best service stations and pit stops)

Always having a travel mug or snacks within reach

A love for exploring new places by car (with a backup plan for unexpected detours)

For you, driving is all about getting your loved ones where they need to be—whether it’s the school run, football practice, or weekend plans. Your car is stocked with snacks, spare jackets, and probably a bit of backseat chaos.

Regularly adjusting the rearview mirror to check on the kids

A car filled with toys, water bottles, and an emergency stash of wet wipes

Tip: A little preparation goes a long way—keeping essentials handy (playlist to sing along with the kids or an iPad to keep them entertained) and setting a routine can help make each trip smoother.

Self-awareness is a helpful skill when driving. Accepting your tendencies can make them more controllable and improve your overall driving competency. With our series of informative articles on our motoring blog, you can become a more conscious driver, regardless of your personality type.

Thinking about hitting the road this spring? We look at some of the best UK road trips.

What’s your driving personality?

Spring is the perfect time to hit the road and explore all that the UK has to offer, whether that’s breathtaking countryside, coastal cliffs, or rolling hills. As the season awakens and we start to get a glimpse of sunshine after the cold winter months, these five scenic routes promise remarkable scenes for a fun road trip.

Highlights: Quaint villages, rolling hills, and blooming daffodils 

The Cotswolds Romantic Road takes you on a journey through some of England’s most idyllic villages. Starting in Chipping Campden, you’ll pass through picturesque spots like Broadway, Snowshill, and Bourton-on-the-Water. In spring, the Cotswolds come alive with wildflowers and vibrant greenery. Be sure to stop at Snowshill Lavender Fields if the season is right. The route ends in Cirencester, where you can enjoy a countryside walk or visit the town’s historic abbey. 

Tip: Stop at a traditional tearoom for freshly baked scones and clotted cream. 

Distance: 50-60 miles (varies by route) 

Highlights: Mountain views, lakeside drives, and springtime hikes 

The Lake District is magical in spring, with daffodils bursting along the lakeshores and misty mountain views. Start your journey in Ambleside, follow the road to Grasmere (stop by Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s former home), and loop around Derwentwater. Drive through Borrowdale Valley for stunning scenery and spot waterfalls cascading down the hillsides. 

Tip: Take a short hike to Tarn Hows or Buttermere for spectacular views of spring blossoms. 

Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, wildflower meadows, and the Giant’s Causeway 

The Causeway Coastal Route offers one of the most dramatic coastal drives in the UK. Start in Belfast and follow the winding road north towards Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the legendary Giant’s Causeway. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, with spring wildflowers painting the cliffs in bright colours. Don’t miss the charming town of Cushendun, known for its caves and folklore! 

Tip: Stop for a picnic at Murlough Bay for sweeping coastal views. 

Highlights: Cherry blossoms, orchards in bloom, and charming villages 

Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent bursts to life in spring. The Kent Blossom Trail winds through the county’s apple and cherry orchards, with stops at Tenterden, Sissinghurst, and Chilham. Be sure to visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which is famous for its spring blooms. Drive through Biddenden Vineyards for a picturesque view of rolling hills and blossoming fruit trees. 

Tip: Visit a local farm shop for fresh apple cider and spring produce. 

Highlights: Majestic mountains, waterfalls, and lush valleys 

The Llanberis Pass is a short but spectacular drive through the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Starting in Betws-y-Coed, follow the A4086 towards Llanberis, passing dramatic mountain peaks and the shimmering Llyn Padarn. In spring, the valleys are painted with wildflowers, and the air is filled with the sound of rushing streams. Stop at Swallow Falls for a photo op and enjoy the crisp mountain air. 

Tip: Consider a scenic hike up to Cwm Idwal for panoramic views. 

Timing: Aim for early mornings to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. 

Car prep: Make sure your car is spring-ready by checking tyre pressure, topping up fluids, and cleaning windows. 

Picnic stops: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. 

Weather awareness: Spring can be unpredictable, so pack a rain jacket just in case! 

News - 2025