If you’ve received a VED renewal notice in the post recently, you might have noticed the numbers have crept up. As of April 1st, 2026, the DVLA has updated Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates across the UK.

At Dom’s Garage Services, we know that motoring costs are a major concern for our customers. Whether you’re commuting from Letchworth to London or just running the kids to school, here is a clear breakdown of the changes and how you can protect your car’s value in the process.

1. The Standard Rate Increase

For most petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars registered after April 2017, the annual "Standard Rate" is rising.

• The New Rate: Expect to see your bill move from £195 to £200. While a £5 increase might seem small, it’s part of a wider trend of rising costs that we can help you offset through better fuel efficiency and preventative maintenance.

2. The Shift for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

If you’ve made the switch to electric, the "free ride" on road tax has officially ended. 2026 is the first full year where EVs are part of the standard tax system.

• Modern EVs: Most will now pay the same £200 standard rate as combustion engines.

• Luxury EVs: There is a silver lining! The "Expensive Car Supplement" (for cars over £40k) has seen its threshold moved to £50,000 for electric vehicles only. If your EV was under £50k when new, you'll avoid the extra £425 yearly surcharge.

3. Selling or Trading In? Don't Leave Money on the Table

With tax rates shifting, many of our customers in Letchworth are looking at moving into newer, more efficient models this spring. If you are planning to sell or part-exchange your car, there is one thing that matters more than any other: Your Service History.

As an RAC Approved Garage, we see firsthand how a well-maintained service book affects a car's price. A vehicle with a "Full Service History" (FSH) can fetch 15% to 25% more at trade-in. On a car valued at £10,000, that’s an extra £2,000 in your pocket just for keeping your stamps up to date.

Get "Showroom Ready" with Dom’s Garage Services

A "Service Due" light or a looming MOT is the fastest way to lose leverage when you're trying to sell. At Dom's, we provide the same high-level diagnostics and manufacturer-standard parts as a main dealer—often at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you need a fresh stamp in the book to maximize your sale price, or you just want a Spring Health Check to ensure you’re getting the best MPG possible to offset that tax hike, our team is ready to help.

Visit Dom’s Garage Services or book online. You’ll find us at 11 Protea Way, Letchworth, SG6 1JT. 

Mon-Fri 8:00 to 17:30