Drivers are being warned about a mistake that could cost them dear. While most people know it’s a legal requirement to have insurance for their car, not getting the correct cover could cause serious headaches.
UK law means that drivers must have third-party insurance as a minimum level of cover – this means your insurance will bear the cost of damage to another vehicle if you crash into it, but not your own car. Driving without at least third-party insurance is illegal and could cost you a £1,000 fine and your car could even be wheel-clamped.
Insurers also offer third-party, fire and theft cover, which extends protection to your car being destroyed by fire or stolen, but still does not cover damage to your own car in a crash. Fully comprehensive cover will protect you against everything – damage to other vehicles, damage to your own, fire and theft. But there’s more to it beyond that.
Darren Miller, from Big Wants Your Car, said: “Driving without insurance isn’t just about the vehicle – it’s about the driver too. Even if the car has insurance, the driver must be specifically covered to operate it. This ensures that everyone is protected in case of an accident. Failing to meet this requirement puts both the driver and the public at risk and can lead to serious legal trouble.
“The penalties for driving uninsured are harsh. At first, you could face a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence. But if the case goes to court, it could get much worse, including unlimited fines or even being banned from driving. These rules show just how seriously the law treats uninsured driving.
“Beyond fines and points on your licence, the authorities can take immediate action if you’re caught without insurance. This could mean having your car wheel clamped, impounded, or even destroyed. It’s a costly mistake that’s easily avoided.
“It’s also worth remembering that not all insurance policies renew automatically. Make sure to check your policy details and renewal dates to avoid driving uninsured by accident. Also, confirm that your insurance covers how you use your vehicle – for example, if you use it for work – to stay fully protected.
“For cars not in use or kept on private property, there’s an option to declare a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN). This means you don’t need continuous insurance while staying within the law. It’s a handy way to avoid unnecessary costs when your car isn’t on the road.”