motoring guide

Raising awareness of the ramifications of uninsured drivers

While the scale of the problem of uninsured drivers becomes more publicised, the government and motoring industry experts have been working out how to educate and clamp down on offenders and raise awareness of the cost of uninsured drivers to law-abiding car insurance payers as well as the motorists themselves.

There are an estimated two million uninsured vehicles on Britain's roads at present, according to the latest figures from the Motor Insurer's Bureau (MIB), with many of them to be found in large towns and cities. However, there are a range of consequences for those carrying no insurance as well as serious implications to the victims of car accidents caused by these individuals, in addition to the general public who must cover the expense of uninsured drivers.

During the current economic downturn, people are seeking ways to cut back on their monthly expenses, however independent financial information provider Defaqto recently urged drivers not to consider cancelling their car insurance policies as they are required by law.

The South Wales Echo reported this month in the region alone there are over 41,000 motorists driving without insurance, based on the MIB research, with the newspaper saying these individuals are ten times more likely to be drunk behind the wheel and three times more likely to drive carelessly. However, the RAC Foundation, a charity responsible for campaigning for improved road safety and protection for motorists, confirms the argument that the credit crunch is partly responsible for people cutting back on insurance.

Deputy director of the organisation Sheila Rainger told the newspaper: "The problem is that when people buy a car they often don’t take into account the costs of keeping it legal. It is not made any easier by the fact that many young drivers believe they are being priced out of the insurance market."

She added many people "do not realise" they are not the ones who will benefit from having car insurance, that it is for the protection of others who may be injured or even killed in an accident caused by them.

For example, when uninsured driver Arturas Kontrimavicius crashed into Sheena Osborne's car in St Ives in November 2007, she had to undergo major surgery, use a wheelchair for many months and needed 24-hour care for some time, according to the Cambridge News. As he was not in possession of insurance, Mr Kontrimavicius was recently ordered to pay £300(this is right) in compensation.

Meanwhile, a couple from Treorchy in South Wales claimed to have had their lives "ruined" by an accident caused by an uninsured driver, involving severe injuries, loss of earnings and prospects as a result of the crash, according to the Western Mail.

Glenn Jones suffered broken bones and his partner Beth Evans sustained back problems.

Ms Evans told the Western Mail: "Because he wasn’t insured we only got a very small percentage of what we should have been entitled to."

The Times recently reported uninsured drivers are currently responsible for four deaths on the roads every week, higher than ever before. This revelation came days before the government was due to impose new laws resulting in up to two years in prison for those causing death by driving while uninsured.

Mark Hunter, transport spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, told the publication: "Uninsured drivers are a dangerous and often fatal blight on our roads and responsible motorists are forking out for higher premiums to pay for their misadventures.

"It is ridiculous that, while you can be fined £1,000 for not buying a TV licence, uninsured drivers can cause thousands of pounds of damage and get away with pathetically small penalties."

Research from the price comparison site comparethemarket.com recently revealed UK motorists are paying £31 a year more on their car insurance to cover those who are uninsured, which equates to £500 million for the nation per annum.

This figure does not take into consideration the costs resulting from accidents themselves.

Jeremy Moll, head of insurance at the company, emphasised the need for "more severe penalties" for uninsured drivers to be imposed by the government to cut down on costs for law-abiding individuals.

The Guardian reported last month ministers would announce a clampdown on offending motorists help reduce insurance premiums for other drivers.  This includes the possibility of cars belonging to motorists who do not respond to warning letters being crushed, even if their car is not in use.  The raft of measures was predicted by one Department for Transport official that if uninsured drivers were reduced by a third, it would save insurers £764 million over five years.

Earlier this month, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) said insurance can be more expensive in cities due to higher crime levels and traffic, which can be one factor putting urban-dwellers off from purchasing. However, Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive for the organisation, advised customers to consult an insurance broker and find the best policy rather than avoiding it altogether, "as the laws are there and they will catch you if you try and evade and the net is tightening".

He went on to say the £31 levy on car insurance policies has the potential to be reduced if uninsured drivers are clamped down on and the message spread about the implications of driving without cover.

In addition, Mr Trudgill said personal injury costs are rising and surmised claims inflation "probably" stands at around eight per cent.

"[Therefore] if you stand still with uninsured driving your claims and levies are going to go up by eight per cent. You've actually got to make such a dent [in the problem] to make it go backwards," he commented.

Shedding light on the importance of clarifying the implications of the issue, the MIB recently said people do not see it for "the crime it is". The organisation said together with police and the government it is "determined to change both the perceptions and behaviour of the uninsured, into those of honest motorists".

Hence, in a time of rising costs for the law-abiding and heavier penalties for offenders, sending out a clear message on the cost of uninsured driving is paramount and it will be interesting to see how attitudes will change towards car insurance as laws become tighter.

22 Jun 2009