Harsher fines for uninsured drivers, says insurance firm

Date: 13/1/2011

Uninsured drivers should face harsher fines, according to one cover provider.

Direct Line made its comments in response to the government's forthcoming introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement rules, which will take effect in the spring.

Under the new regulations, the owner of any vehicle that is found to be either uninsured or not have a Statutory Off-Road Notification to cover it will face a fine or having the car confiscated, even if they are not driving it.

The initial fine will be £100 but if it is paid promptly it will be reduced to £50.

Commenting on the new legislation, Andy Goldby, Director of Motor Underwriting at Direct Line, said: "We welcome this initiative, but with uninsured drivers costing British society around £500 million each year, the severity of penalties must act as a deterrent to those considering driving without insurance."

According to the company, a recent survey of motorists found that 34 per cent of respondents would like to see those who are caught driving uninsured forced to take their test again.

Posted by Mary Treen