Driving uninsured? Be prepared to face major consequences

In efforts to alert drivers of the risks of driving without insurance, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) has launched a new campaign to highlight what could happen should you decide drive without insurance.

The data around uninsured vehicles paints a troubling picture and it explains the importance of stopping uninsured motorists. The MIB suggests that thousands of people a year are injured or killed by uninsured drivers – and compensation for these tragedies is paid for through the insurance premiums of a law abiding motorists via the MIB.

Who’s driving without insurance?

The Gone in Seconds campaign targets young drivers, as they are more likely to not have insurance. In fact, between 2010 and 2014, a total of 21,148 newly qualified drivers were caught using a vehicle uninsured.

Furthermore, there’s evidence that many uninsured vehicles are more likely to be involved in a collision, and are often used to conduct wider criminal activity. Through the efforts of campaigns like Gone in Seconds and working with police and the DVLA, the MIB aims to help deter criminal activity and make the roads safer by removing their means of transport.

The consequences...

According to the MIB, every three minutes one person is prosecuted for car insurance offences, and approximately 2,500 vehicles are seized by the police each week. If you decide to run the risk of driving a vehicle without valid insurance, the consequences could include:

The driver - if you’re caught driving uninsured, you could be looking at:

• 6 points added onto your licence
• A £300 fixed penalty
• Losing your car if it’s seized by the police
• Collection fees to reclaim your car
• A crushed car if it’s not reclaimed within 14 days
• Potential court prosecution

The car - if your car doesn’t have valid insurance you could face:

• A £100 fixed penalty
• Having your car clamped, seized and crushed
• Court prosecution with a fine up to £1,000
• If you’re caught while driving it, potentially even more penalties

On top of all this, you will still have to purchase valid insurance, and for many, premiums are often higher for drivers who have been previously caught driving without insurance. In fact, it might even be more difficult to get insurance as some companies may not insure drivers who have driven uninsured in the past.

How to get involved

The Gone in Seconds campaign has produced a compelling video that shows the embarrassing implications for drivers who are caught without insurance. The MIB is encouraging drivers to share the video with their friends and family, and to post it on social media using the #goneinseconds hashtag.

So how can getting caught without insurance affect your future insurance premiums? Find out more here.