13 May 2008
A growing number of people in the UK are driving without car insurance, potentially risking fines, driving bans or having their cars crushed.
Research conducted by Sainsbury's Bank found that around 1.5 million people in the UK have driven without car insurance over the past 12 months.
Those aged between 17 and 24-years-old, who tend to pay the highest premiums, are most likely to drive without insurance (eight per cent), while those aged 65 and over are least likely (under 1% of motorists).
Some 19% of those polled stated that they had driven without car insurance because they could not afford it, while a further 19% said that they did not think it was necessary to have insurance, 13% stated that they forgot to purchase it and 13% claimed not to have the time to arrange cover.
A total of 392,763 court cases were held against uninsured drivers in 2005 and uninsured motorists are estimated to add an extra £25 to £30 to the average annual car insurance premium.
The government has announced plans to make driving tests tougher and proposals to provide new drivers with better training in a range of different conditions. Harder tests and more extensive training are expected to result in better drivers on Britain's roads, which could drive down motor insurance premiums.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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