Police have taken to the streets for a national campaign to detect and seize uninsured cars in October/November 2020 in the United Kingdom, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau said. But why is ‘Operation Drive Insured’ required? Because – each year – 130 people are killed and 26,000 injured by collisions that involve uninsured and untraceable drivers. They are therefore linked to 1 in 5 collisions.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau added that such collisions ‘cost the economy’ £2 billion a year. Costs include the emergency services, medical care, loss of productivity, and property damage. Furthermore, ‘evidence shows’ that uninsured drivers are more likely to commit other crimes. Examples include: hit and run, using a stolen vehicle, driving whilst disqualified, and substance abuse.
Commander Kyle Gordon is Head of the National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence, and Investigation Committee. He suggested that uninsured drivers are a more serious problem than some motorists think. ‘Many people see uninsured driving as a victimless crime at best’, he emphasised. ‘Or, at worst, only impacting on the profits of large insurance companies. This is not the case.’
‘We know from our work in roads policing that uninsured motorists are significantly more likely to cause a death or injury on the road. This too often brings devastation to victims, families, and communities up and down the country. They are also frequently involved in wider road crimes’, he emphasised.
The police officer further confirmed that the purpose of the campaign is to minimise the number of people that get killed, injured, and traumatised. ‘Protecting the public and keeping roads safe for everyone is our priority’, he said. ‘Removing uninsured drivers from our roads helps do that. This is why all police forces are acting to take uninsured drivers off the roads every single day.’
Penalties for not having car insurance
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau confirmed there are tough penalties for driving without insurance. The sanctions include a £300 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on your licence. The latter increase the cost of insurance. Furthermore, police have the power to seize – and in some cases destroy – your vehicle. If a case goes to court, you might get an unlimited fine and be banned from driving.
Cut the cost of insurance
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau further suggested the number of people without insurance might soon rise. Why? Because coronavirus is making it harder to afford such things. It therefore revealed how to minimise the cost. Ideas include:
- Get a wide range of quotes from a price comparison site
- Pick a car that has a low insurance group rating
- Pay annually rather than monthly (to avoid interest charges)
- Ensure you have a clean licence (no penalty points)
- Choose a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim).
