This is a legal requirement in the UK and failing to have it could see you hit with a hefty fine and even a driving ban.
Motorists have been cautioned that neglecting one crucial task could result in an “unlimited” fine. Failing to insure your vehicle could also lead to a driving ban.
Car insurance offers financial cover against expenses arising from accidents, such as damage to other vehicles, property, or personal injuries. It also provides protection for your own car in the event of fire, theft, or damage. Moreover, it is a legal requirement in the UK.
The RAC website warns: “If you drive a vehicle without insurance on a public road, you risk it triggering a police ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera and being hit with a roadside penalty of £300 and six penalty points on your licence.
“Police also have the powers to seize an uninsured vehicle. Be careful, as the same punishments apply for any car you’re driving without the appropriate insurance – even if it’s insured in someone else’s name.”
The penalties could be even more severe if the case goes to court. “If the case goes to court, you could be hit with an unlimited fine and a driving ban,” added the RAC. This warning is supported by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The GOV.UK website states: “You must have motor insurance to drive your vehicle on UK roads.” There are various levels of insurance available, with third party being the minimum level required.
The DVLA continued: “Third party insurance is the legal minimum. This means you’re covered if you have an accident causing damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property. It does not cover any other costs like repair to your own vehicle.
“It’s illegal to drive a vehicle on a road or in a public place without at least third party insurance. Even if the vehicle itself is insured, if you’re not correctly insured to drive it you could get penalised.”
The DVLA explained that police officers have the authority to issue a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points if you’re caught driving a vehicle without proper insurance cover.
Should the matter proceed to court you could face:
- An unlimited fine
- Being disqualified from driving
Police officers also possess the authority to confiscate, and in certain circumstances, destroy any vehicle being driven without insurance.
Exceptions
You are not required to insure your vehicle if it remains off the road and is declared as off the road (SORN). This regulation is known as “continuous insurance enforcement”.
The DVLA stated: “If a vehicle is between registered keepers or registered as ‘in trade’ with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), it is excluded from continuous insurance enforcement. Vehicles you keep for your own use are not excluded.”
For further details, visit the Government website here.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.