Brokers call for tougher penalties including car seizures and more prison sentences to tackle this growing problem
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) claims that dramatic increases in the cost of motoring are fuelling a growth in the number of motorists who are driving without insurance. To help curb this problem, it is calling for offenders to face tougher penalties.
BIBA points to recent figures * showing petrol prices at a record high, with average increases of 6.61p a litre since January adding £4.83 million a day to the petrol bills of UK motorists. Every penny rise in the cost of petrol adds at least 0.1p to running costs per mile of the average car.
A poll of BIBA members shows 96% support tougher penalties for uninsured drivers. Some 51% believe car seizure is the best deterrent for uninsured drivers, whereas 28% support more prison sentences.
Graeme Trudgill, Technical Services Manager at BIBA said: “Over the past year, the cost of motoring has increased with, for example, fuel prices rising to a record high.
“Every 1p rise in the price of petrol adds 0.1p per mile to the cost of motoring. And given the fact that the punishment for being caught driving uninsured is often not much deterrent, consisting of a fine of up to £150, more motorists are either driving without cover or are considering it. We must act now and introduce much tougher penalties if we are to stop this problem becoming worse.”
Around 5% or up to 1.4 million motorists in the UK currently drive without insurance. Based on this figure, BIBA estimates** that the number of uninsured drivers in regions across the UK could be as much as:
|
Region |
Scotland |
N East/ Yorks/ Humbs |
N West |
Midlands |
S East/ E.Anglia |
London |
Wales / West |
National |
|
Potential number of motorists driving without insurance |
126,000 |
198,000 |
130,000 |
237,000 |
372,000 |
149,000 |
226,000 |
1.438m |
According to the Greenaway report on uninsured driving, particularly bad areas include Manchester , Liverpool , Birmingham and East London .
Graeme Trudgill said: “Our members see the effects of un insure d driving on their clients every day. Not only do uninsured drivers add an estimated £30 to every motor policy premium of honest motorists, they can also cost insured drivers thousands if they are involved in an accident with them. We feel that one of the best ways to deter offenders is to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, which unfortunately is not the case at the moment.”
-ends-
Notes to editors
* Source: AA Motoring Trust
** Calculations by BIBA, based on number of licensed motorists in each region
British Insurance Brokers' Association
BIBA is the UK 's leading broker and intermediary organisation, representing professional insurance brokers and intermediaries.
BIBA is committed to playing a central role in the industry, from providing business backing and training for British brokers through to media liaison and high-level industry representation. We also actively participate in helping the industry and its customers deal with some of the major insurance issues of the day.
BIBA members operate to a very high standard of customer service with the aim of ensuring peace of mind, security, financial protection and the professional advice required.
Authoritative, independent and impartial, BIBA a not for profit organisation, is uniquely relied upon by brokers and the consumer.
BIBA – Leading the way in UK Insurance - www.biba.org.uk
For Further Information please contact:
BIBA
Graeme Trudgill
020 7397 0218
whites@biba.org.uk |