An FOI request has revealed the extent of the problem of driving without insurance.
It almost goes without saying that obtaining insurance is one of the most important aspects of driving, but it appears many people are willing to get behind the wheel without first performing this paramount task.
According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), which was directed to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 226,803 drivers have points on their licence for hitting the road without having adequate insurance in place.
It was shown that 194,997 full licence holders and 31,806 provisional licence holders have been found to be operating a vehicle when not in possession of this cover. This means that one in 200 drivers in the UK have received points on their licence for falling foul of this rule.
The problem is most notable among younger motorists, with one in every 100 drivers with a full driving licence aged 17 to 35 being given points for uninsured driving.
At the other end of the scale, those aged 65 and over were found to be the least likely to have been given points for such an offence, with just 0.06 per cent of them – or 3,867 people – penalised for this.
Simon Best, chief executive of the IAM, described the findings as shocking, stating: "Those 200,000 individuals who drive whilst uninsured place the burden back on those who abide by the law through higher premiums and potentially the cost of vehicle repair."
Mr Best said the figures may only represent the tip of the iceberg, as they only include offenders who have been caught out and penalised as a consequence.
He added: "Insurance fraud and uninsured driving are also growing problems that need to be tackled through a coordinated approach from enforcement authorities."
Those who are caught driving without insurance can expect a considerable punishment for their crime, with an 18-year-old motorist with a £950 premium likely to be given six points on their licence and a premium increase to £2,195.
Posted by Peter Murray