Is uninsured driving a risk worth taking?

For close to 10,000 people in the county of Norfolk, driving without car insurance is a risk they feel they have to take.

Despite the fact that being caught out will almost certainly lead to a fine and penalty points, and in a worst case scenario could even see you disqualified from driving, many drivers are happy to take to the roads without insurance because the cost of premiums is so high.

A typical car insurance premium on an average sized car could set you back as much as £400 a year – whereas a fine for driving uninsured is only likely to be in the region of £160.

Many campaign groups, such as Roadpeace, are demanding tougher sentences for those who drive uninsured. Not only are they angered by the comparative ‘slap on the wrist’ that uninsured drivers receive, but they are frustrated at the effect it has on law-abiding citizens.

With uninsured drivers far more likely to be involved in accidents, it is estimated that they add around £30-£60 each year to the bills that insured drivers pay. According to the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB), those driving without insurance are also ten times more likely to be convicted of a drink driving offence.

Insurers are now working closely with the police to inform them when car insurance policies go out of date. If you're not already insured and are worried about the cost, my tip is to use a car insurance comparison tool to compare quotes from dozens of insurance companies. Not only will this save you time, but comparing quotes makes it a whole lot easier to find cheap car insurance. To cut the cost of your insurance even further, you may want to consider third party, fire and theft insurance rather than a fully comprehensive policy.