The number of uninsured vehicles on the roads has increased again, with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau estimating that over 1.7 million people drove vehicles which did not have cover in 2008. The worst culprit was Greater London, where a staggering 13% of vehicles were found to be uninsured, closely followed by Merseyside 12% and Greater Manchester 10%.
Under section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is an offence to use a motor vehicle on a road unless there is a policy of insurance in place, with third party insurance the minimum to be allowed.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (or MIB) deal with claims brought by people who have had an road accident involving an uninsured driver but they are funded by our insurance premiums, with every Insurer underwriting compulsory motor insurance obliged to contribute.
Therefore if the number of claims being made increases due to the high number of uninsured drivers on the roads it will push up insurance premiums.
The MIB as a response to these figures has launched a new campaign to crackdown on drivers who do not have insurance. Already, as many as 500 vehicles are being seized everyday and there is a warning that drivers caught without insurance will be given a minimum of 6 points on their licence and a £200 fine. An accident with an uninsured driver can be a difficult experience, especially if you suffer injury as a result of the accident. If you are involved in such an accident and the incident wasn’t you fault then you can still bring a claim for compensation through the MIB. At the accident scene, make sure that you note:
- The details of the car registration and model of the other vehicle
- The name and address of the driver of the other vehicle
- The damage caused to your vehicle and their vehicle
- The contact details of any witnesses to the accident
Also, try and take photographs of the accident.
