'Automation catches up to 3000 uninsured drivers a day,' says MIB

It has been revealed that warnings are being issued to as many as 3,000 uninsured drivers a day thanks to an automated scheme operated by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

In 2017, the data-led analysis of vehicles meant warnings were sent to hundreds of thousands of motorists who appeared to be uninsured.

Around 250,000 people were automatically issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Data held by the MIB is compared with the DVLA’s records to identify drivers that appear to have no insurance.

The process means thousands of warnings known as Insurance Advisory Letters (IAL) can be issued daily without the need to catch uninsured drivers on the road.

The MIB also warned drivers to declare their car ‘off the road’ by making a Statuatory Off Road Notification (SORN).

Failure to do so can lead to a court prosecution, £1000 fine and the car being seized and crushed.

Neil Drane, Head of Enforcement at MIB said: ”There really is nowhere to hide. Data enables us to easily identify vehicles that appear without insurance. By using automation alongside ongoing police efforts we’ve helped to half the number of uninsured drivers on UK roads over the past 10 years.”

IAL milestone

Last month, the MIB issued its 5 millionth IAL since 2011, when the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) legislation was introduced. This particular letter was sent to the owner of a Rover in Staffordshire.

The MIB said: ”Uninsured driving is a problem that seriously affects the lives of innocent victims and costs millions each year.

”Victims of drivers who are uninsured or can’t be traced can seek compensation from MIB.

“This bill is paid for by the insurance premiums of all law-abiding motorists.”