Motorists in the UK who take to the road without cover cost innocent drivers more than £30 per year in car insurance, it has been claimed.
According to figures from YouGov published by a consumer comparison website, a combined £500 million is splashed out by people because of the problem. The company commented that more than 10% of motorists have collided with an uninsured driver, with over two thirds having to incur liability.
The research revealed that nearly nine out of ten motorists in the UK feel that the government is not doing enough to deter people from driving without car insurance, and believe that stricter penalties should be introduced.
Almost eight out of ten motorists asked stated that the current fine of around £250 was too low and did not make buying car insurance the better option. In some cases, it is less than fines for other driving offences committed by those who do at least have insurance, and the lack of clear and concise punishment serves as little deterrent to illegal drivers.
The head of insurance at the firm remarked that once people stop breaking road laws, prices will go down.
"At present motor policies are hit by the knock on effect of uninsured drivers and the financial implications they create; so any steps to deter uninsured drivers would be a move in the right direction," he said.
