Fines for uninsured driving better value than insurance

by David Masters

Story link: Fines for uninsured driving better value than insurance

Rogue drivers getting behind the wheel without insurance are not being deterred because the penalties if they’re caught are too lenient, Direct Line claimed this week.

Under new government proposals, motorists caught driving an uninsured vehicle will be fined as little as £50 – less than fine given out to people who overfill their bin, Direct Line said.

“The fact that the new proposed fine for driving uninsured is less than if you were to overfill your bin is alarming,” said Andy Goldby, Direct Line’s director of motor underwriting.

With young drivers paying up to £3,000 per year in insurance premiums, many drivers reason that the risk of paying a fine and losing their vehicle is a better price to pay.

“The Government’s proposed Continuous Enforcement programme will catch more uninsured drivers, but if the fines are less than the average insurance premium then it’s not going to stop them from re-offending,” Goldby said.

Uninsured drivers are five times more likely to be involved in road collisions, Direct Line said, and are responsible for around 160 road deaths every year.