Your Car Insurance Guide

Research has revealed that one in five motorists have driven without car insurance. So is it a risk worth taking?

Car insurance is a legal necessity in the UK yet a fifth of drivers admit they have broken the law by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that they were not insured to drive. In fact, nearly a tenth of motorists have even disregarded the law in their own vehicles with men the most likely to take the risk – one in four admits to driving uninsured, compared to 16 per cent of women.

With warnings that car insurance premiums may rise by as much as 10 per cent this year, it may seem like it’s worth taking a chance if it means avoiding sky high premiums.

However, the reality of getting caught driving uninsured will quickly put this ‘chance’ into perspective.

Anyone caught driving uninsured can face penalties in the region of £200 as well as six points on their driving licence. There is also a risk that the car may be impounded with typical collection costs in the region of £150, plus £20 a day for storage. Drivers may also face court action, particularly if they are repeat offenders.

What’s more is that driving uninsured is actually one of the key contributors to why car insurance premiums are so high. Uninsured motorists cost the industry £500 million last year in claims, adding around £30 to the average motorist’s premiums.

If you think that the cost of running a car, coupled with high insurance costs, particularly if you’re a young driver, is too much to bear then look into ways to save money legally.

For example, most car insurance providers offer discounts if you stay claims free; agree to a limited mileage; pay premiums annually instead of monthly; increase the security of your car; increase your voluntary excess; and avoid driving convictions.