Average fine for uninsured drivers is just £200
Published: 20/01/2012
The AA has voiced its outrage after new figures, released in a House of Commons written statement, revealed the average fine for people caught driving without insurance is just £200.
On average each year, there are 160 road accidents fatalities and 23,000 road accident injuries caused by uninsured drivers. Simon Douglas, Director of AA Insurance, thinks honest motorists are being failed by such lenient fines:
“I certainly think that the UK is far too soft on hard-core uninsured drivers and most people will consider a fine of £200 is an insult.
“Although there is a fixed penalty of £200 and six penalty points for driving without insurance, the police will prosecute for serious offences – yet the fines imposed by the courts are often less than that. It is hardly a disincentive, given the typical cost of insurance for someone aged between 17 and 22 is around £2,500.”
Douglas also dismisses the argument that, in most cases, the uninsured driver’s vehicle will be confiscated with the value of which adding to the cost of the fine.
“Most of these were old and with little value; as well as being poorly maintained or even downright dangerous.”
When asked what he deemed a just punished for uninsured drivers, Douglas said:
“I believe uninsured drivers should pay the equivalent of the unpaid insurance premium, which can be easily calculated, in addition to a fine. What’s more, the fine should be sufficiently great to make them think twice before offending.
“This could be coupled with community service orders and for repeat offenders, possibly custodial sentence.”
Anyone who is involved in a road traffic accident with an uninsured driver is still entitled to compensation. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) provides a compensation fund that is there to help reimburse victims of accidents with uninsured/untraceable drivers.
Goldsmith Williams can make a claim on your behalf against the MIB under the Uninsured Drivers’ Agreement. Contact us today to see if you have a claim for compensation. Call us on 0845 373 3737 or by completing our online enquiry form.
Content correct at time of publication