1.15 Million Drive Uninsured

During the past 12 months over 1.15 million Brits have knowingly taken to the roads without valid car insurance, according to research out this week.

Published by Sainsbury's bank, the shocking figures confirm that uninsured driving is still a very real problem despite recently introduced government measures to crack down on this illegal activity.

Younger drivers were found to be more likely to flout the law with two fifths of the uninsured aged between 17 and 25 and an additional 22% falling in the 25 to 34 age group. Those over 65 were found to be the least likely to drive without insurance.

When asked why they chose to take the risk and face being fined, banned, or having their car crushed, an astounding 19% believed that protecting themselves with insurance simply wasn't necessary, while another 13% felt they simply didn't have time. 19% of these uninsured drivers explained that they were unable to afford cover for their vehicle while an additional 13% simply stated that they forgot.

These figures come just a week after BIBA (the British Insurance Broker's Association) called for the government to do more to stamp out the number of uninsured drivers on the roads.

Eric Galbraith, Chief Executive of BIBA commented: "We have seen a great effort from the insurance industry in setting up the successful motor insurance database to crack down on uninsured driving, but eradicating this problem now requires a real commitment from Government."

Since 2006 the incidence of uninsured driving has dropped by 10% thanks to new legislation allowing police to access the motor insurance database and seize uninsured vehicles.

However, 35,000 claims are still being made to the Motor Insurance Bureau by victims of incidents involving uninsured drivers every year, costing insurance companies over £417million and adding an additional £30 to the average car insurance premium to cover this.