Over 15% of motorists 'driving without insurance'

Date: 13/3/2012

Some 16 per cent of motorists have driven a vehicle when they were not insured, new figures have revealed.

Data released by MoneySupermarket.com showed that while eight per cent of these drove their own motor without a policy, six per cent said it was a car belonging to someone else.

While 18 per cent of people driving illegally claimed they did not know they needed protection, seven per cent stated they do not have cover because they do not think they will crash.

Car Insurance Expert at MoneySupermarket.com Peter Harrison described the figures as "worrying".

"Uninsured drivers cost the insurance industry £500 million each year, which as a result adds an average of £30 to every motorist's premium," he added.

According to government statistics, uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in road accidents and fail follow traffic signs. If people do not have the correct cover, they could be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Posted by Sarah Bailey