Drivers think they can talk their way out of being prosecuted by the police for driving uninsured, finds Churchill

New research from Churchill Car Insurance has revealed that motorists think that they can talk their way out of being prosecuted by the police for driving uninsured.

A study carried out amongst recently retired traffic officers indicates that many drivers believe they can get away with not having cover by providing an excuse.

The former officers have revealed that motorists offer all manners of outrageous excuses for not having insurance when pulled over, from “the car drives perfectly well without it” to “it was my husband’s car. He is dead but he is still insured.”

Police report the top three reasons drivers do not have insurance are: not knowing that they were uninsured (38% of cases); having forgotten to renew their policy (33% of cases); deliberately driving without insurance (13% of cases).

A quarter of former traffic officers reported a problem with international drivers not understanding UK insurance laws, such as not knowing that the driver has to be named on the insurance policy. The respondents highlighted that drivers from Eastern Europe often believe that it is the car that it is insured, rather than the person.

Steve Barrett, head of car insurance at Churchill, commented: “Whilst some of the excuses given for uninsured driving might raise a smile, it’s a serious offence that can often hit the pockets of motorists who comply with the law. If someone is prepared to run the risk of being caught driving uninsured, then it makes you wonder what other risks they’re prepared to take on the road. This is why we give our customers uninsured driver cover as standard”.

“Our research demonstrates the need for education about the risks of driving without insurance, particularly for tourists and international drivers. Many motorists claim ignorance as an excuse, but it is up to everyone getting behind the wheel to make sure they are protected as it is the driver’s responsibility to know the laws,” added Barrett.

Mark Dugdale