MID launches “Stay Insured”

The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) has launched a nationwide ‘Stay Insured' campaign claiming there are 1.7 million uninsured drivers on the road and the recession could add to that.

The MIB said it aimed to reduce the level and the impact of uninsured driving by helping motorists to understand the importance of insurance, as well as making them aware of the consequences of being caught.

The six-month campaign is being supported by Natalie Pinkham, host of You're Nicked and Police Interceptors.

• 75% of drivers are looking to cut their motor insurance costs
• 600,000 21-29 year olds drive without insurance -14% of all drivers and 34% of all uninsured drivers.
• 7% of all drivers know penalties if caught
• 10% of 18-24 year olds are not aware that they need insurance in order to drive legally.
• 60% think that they are likely to get caught
• Nearly 500 vehicles a day caught using the Motor Insurance Database (MID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology

Penalties can include vehicle seizure, a minimum of six licence penalty points, and a fixed penalty of £200. Drivers who have their cars confiscated will also be liable for £150 in car recovery fees and must prove that they have insurance before they can get their cars back.

Economic uncertainty

Ashton West, chief executive of Motor Insurers' Bureau, said: "In these times of economic uncertainty, it is no surprise that people are looking to cut back on spending wherever possible. However, this is no excuse to commit a criminal offence.

“The number of uninsured drivers on the roads still remains unacceptably high which, in turn, has an economic and social impact on all drivers and road users.

“With the ‘Stay Insured' campaign, we want to help drivers by providing information on how they might save money but still remain appropriately covered. We also want to emphasise that the consequences of driving uninsured are severe.

“More than 230,000 uninsured drivers were successfully prosecuted last year so motorists should understand that they will get caught, they will lose their car, and they will be fined. It's just not worth it - Stay Insured."

Don’t be tempted

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA technical and corporate affairs executive, said: "It is vital for drivers to have adequate insurance protection and they should not be tempted during the recession to cut back. It is a false economy to drive uninsured especially when appropriate and affordable insurance cover is available from an insurance broker. Don't risk financial loss and points on your license, stay insured."

Direct debits cancelled

AA Insurance, welcomed the campaign, reporting a 17% increase in the number of customers paying by direct debit who have defaulted.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: "The MIB initiative focuses on the vital importance of keeping your car insurance up-to-date.

"Customers who cancel their cover or don't renew run a serious risk of being stopped by the police, who are increasingly using automatic number plate recognition technology to identify uninsured drivers.

Last year, 185,000 cars were seized and 40% of those were crushed*. It's just not worth the risk."

"It is unacceptable that law abiding insured drivers pay more because of the uninsured - on average, honest motorists pay £30 as part of their annual insurance premium to pay for the victims of uninsured drivers."