Car insurance news
Cheap car insurance put at risk by uninsured drivers
Much of the British population's right to cheap car insurance is being put at risk by uninsured drivers, according to the latest research from Zurich Motor Insurance.
They have revealed that uninsured drivers' recklessness adds an extra £40 a year to the premiums of honest motorists, and those driving illegally cause over £500 million damage every year. In addition, such drivers are ten times more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking too much.
The Road Safety Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament, includes proposals for a crackdown on people who choose to drive without proper car insurance. It recommends a new offence of keeping an uninsured vehicle, a large fixed fine and the right to seize and crush any car that isn't covered.
At present, the average fine for somebody caught without motor insurance is, according to the Association of British Insurers, just £170. Such a fine is proving to be of no deterrent whatsoever, with most car insurance premiums costing far more than this measly figure.
There are currently an estimated one million uninsured drivers on Britain's roads, meaning that the chance of being involved in an accident with one is fairly high. An accident with such a driver could mean that, unless you've paid to protect it, you're likely to lose your no claims discount. As a result, your cheap car insurance premium will suffer.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau can help with financial compensation if you've been hit by an uninsured driver, but you'll still have to pay the first £300 to repair any damage, thus ending up out of pocket.
The proposed changes to the Road Safety Bill have the potential to end the nightmare caused by irresponsible and reckless uninsured drivers, and as a result, cheap car insurance could be far easier to find in the future.