The facts:

• In the UK there are an estimated 1.2 million people - about one in every twenty motorists currently on the road - driving without insurance.
• Uninsured driving also has other costs to society, such as the increase in road accidents, as these people are more likely to take to the roads without a licence in un-roadworthy vehicles.
• Accidents involving uninsured motorists cost the insurance industry up to £500 million a year, paid for by insurers and adds up to £30 a year to each motorist's insurance premium.
• The fixed penalty for driving uninsured is £200 plus 6 penalty points but the Magistrate Courts can impose fines of up to £5,000, automatic endorsement of an offender's licence with 6-8 penalty points and possible disqualification.
• Insurance for younger drivers is significantly higher than the average insurance premium and can lead to drivers choosing to drive uninsured and take to the road illegally.

RAC position:

• RAC supports the Government's proposals to allow the police to seize, and where appropriate, destroy uninsured vehicles. The vehicle would be released after the driver can produce the correct insurance documentation and has paid a fine.
• The best solution is to target drivers through education and measures to reduce uninsured driving. Such initiatives should target younger motorists where the problem is particularly prevalent.
• RAC is in favour of the changes which link the DVLA and Motor Insurance Databases (MID), and allow fixed penalties to be issued to drivers who ignore reminders that their insurance has expired. This system will detect drivers who are uninsured and continue to take to the road illegally.
• RAC welcomes steps taken by the insurance industry to reduce premiums for those new drivers who have taken the post-test training course Pass Plus. Pass Plus trains a driver to cope with situations not necessarily covered in the driving test. It helps improve existing skills and knowledge and reduces the risk of having or causing an accident.
• Whatever the financial penalty imposed on uninsured drivers, it must be at least equitable with the cost of an average insurance premium.

For further information contact:

RAC Press Office
Adam Cracknell

Telephone: 01603 684916
Email: adam.cracknell@aviva.co.uk

Updated November 2007

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