BIBA: Uninsured driver clampdown necessary for cheaper premiums

Posted :24-06-2005

British insurers have called for harsher penalties for uninsured drivers to clampdown on a problem which is costing the industry and consumers approximately £500 million a year.

A new study by the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) found 96 per cent of brokers support tougher punishments for motorists driving without insurance.

According to the research, 51 per cent of insurance brokers believe motorists who are repeatedly found to drive uninsured should have their vehicles seized, while 28 per cent support prison sentences for repeat offenders.

BIBA believes honest motorists are suffering as a result of uninsured drivers and that consequently more needs to be done to tackle the problem.

"Our members see the effects of uninsured driving on their clients everyday. Not only do uninsured drivers add an estimated £30 to every motor policy premium of honest motorists, but they pose a threat to our road safety that is not acceptable," said Graeme Trudgill of BIBA.

"BIBA feels that the only way to deter offenders is to ensure that the punishment fits the crime and our industry believes that car seizures and prison sentences for repeat offenders are appropriate penalties which the government should introduce forthwith."

The Motor Insurance Database was launched by the Association of British Insurers at the start of 2005 to help police and insurers identify uninsured drivers.

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