Car News Articles

The number of uninsured drivers on the roads has increased by 33 per cent since 2008, according to a recent study that has been carried out. The survey found that a fifth or 20 per cent of motorists admitted to breaking the law by getting behind the wheel without the correct insurance in place, compared to 15 per cent the previous year.

Further worrying findings included nine per cent of drivers saying they had driven their own car without adequate motor insurance, whilst eight per cent of those questioned said they had driven someone else’s vehicle without the necessary cover for them to do so.

Men are the more likely to drive without insurance with 23 per cent admitting to doing so, compared to just 16 per cent of women. Young drivers are also more likely to be guilty of breaking the law of driving whilst uninsured with 37 per cent of motorists in their twenties confessing to having done so, compared with just seven per cent of those in their sixties.

One insurance expert said of the findings, “How disappointing to see so many people have taken to the roads uninsured. It is a worrying thought that every fifth car we see is not covered and year on year the research reveals a staggering 33 per cent increase in the number of people driving uninsured. The onset of recession may mean more motorists are unable to afford the cost of their insurance, but if hit by an uninsured vehicle, only motorists with a fully comprehensive policy will be covered by their insurer to pay for the car to be repaired and even then they may face losing their no claims discount.”

Uninsured drivers cost the insurance industry millions of euros each year in claims and as a result are only helping to force unavoidable rises in the cost of premiums. By covering yourself to drive a car, you are not only protecting yourself in the event of an accident, theft or damage, but you are safeguarding yourself against other less cautious drivers too.

People who are caught driving without insurance can expect to face hefty penalties, both financially and with points on their licence. The car could also be impounded, which will come with a collection and storage charge, or even crushed.