Most uninsured drivers do not bother buying insurance because they believe they won't get caught, said the AA.
“If uninsured drivers do get caught, the penalties are usually much lower than the cost of insurance,” said AA Insurance director Neale Phillips.
“They are in a win-win situation and there will be little change in the number of uninsured drivers on Britain's roads, currently estimated to be one in 20, until enforcement agencies work together to tackle the problem.
“Joined-together thinking is vital,” he said. “There are five principal road traffic enforcement agencies; the camera partnerships, the police, local authority parking enforcement, congestion charging and the DVLA.
“The first four have to communicate with the DVLA to establish ownership of vehicles that are caught by camera or parked illegally, for example. Yet none of the agencies, except the police, routinely checks if cars are taxed or insured.”
The AA said changes were needed to remove some of the barriers that prevent the identification of uninsured drivers.
Phillips said: “The driver of a vehicle caught by a speed enforcement camera is only required to produce his or her driving licence for endorsement. Tax and insurance are not taken into consideration.”
“A routine requirement to check paperwork in these circumstances would be a significant step forward in control of uninsured driving. It would also help stamp out identity cheats who collude with someone else to take the blame for a speeding offence or lie about insurance.”
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
