What happens if I get caught driving without insurance?
UK law requires motorists to have insurance when driving a vehicle on public roads.
Therefore, failing to do so will land you in hot water - and with a hefty fine.
What are the rules for driving and car insurance?
You must have car insurance to drive your vehicle on UK roads, with third party insurance being the legal minimum.
This means you’re covered if you have an accident causing damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property.
However, it does not cover any other costs like repair to your own vehicle.
Since 2011 it’s been against the law to have a vehicle without insurance, unless it has been officially declared off-road with a Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN for short.
You need to get a SORN from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
It is also an offence to cause or permit someone without insurance to drive a vehicle without insurance.
So if you allow a friend or relative to drive your vehicle and they do not have insurance, you will commit the offence of permitting them to drive without insurance.
The fact that you did not know they were uninsured will not be a defence.
How many points do you get on your licence for driving without car insurance?
Uninsured drivers will get six penalty points on their licence.
The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that’s being driven uninsured.
According to Gov.uk, if the case escalates and ends up in court, motorists could ultimately be disqualified from driving as a result of having no car insurance.
Motoring experts at revealed over 3,000 uninsured offences were recorded in the UK in 2021.
How much is the fine for driving without car insurance?
Driving without car insurance could result in a fine.
The police can issue a fixed penalty notice of £300 - but it could be far higher than that.
Uninsured drivers could be given an unlimited fine if the case goes to court.
And the costs don't stop there.
Drivers could also be liable for costs, including a higher insurance premium in the future, and any costs if an accident has occurred.