One in five motorists admit to having driven without insurance

A fifth of motorists (19 per cent) admit breaking the law by getting behind the wheel of a car they were not insured to drive, according to new research from moneysupermarket.com.

The survey by the UK's leading price comparison site found almost a tenth of motorists (nine per cent) have disregarded the law and driven their own car without insurance, whilst eight per cent admit to getting behind the wheel of someone else's car when not adequately insured.

Men are more likely to break the law and drive whilst uninsured, with one in four (25 per cent) admitting to taking that risk - compared to 16 per cent of women. The poll also reveals younger drivers are the worst culprits; over two fifths of twenty-somethings (42 per cent) say that they have driven without cover, compared to just seven per cent of those in their sixties.

Andy Leadbetter, managing director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It is a shame to see so many of us have taken to the roads when uninsured to drive, and this year's results reveal a worrying trend. In 2008 we found 15 per cent of motorist admitting to the offence so 2009 has seen an unfortunate increase.

"Driving without insurance, no matter how far the distance, is against the law. Anyone caught doing so could face hefty penalties which include a £200 on-the-spot fine and six points on their licence. There's also the possibility of the car being impounded - involving a £150 collection charge and £20 per day charged for storage. If Brits are forgoing their motor insurance for cost reasons it clearly is a false economy."

The research also exposed motorists in the south are the most likely to drive uninsured - with over a quarter (26 per cent) in London and the South-West admitting to the offence. Drivers in East Anglia follow closely behind at just under a quarter (24 per cent).

Andy Leadbetter continued: "On top of the obvious dangers associated with driving without insurance, uninsured motorists cost the industry £500 million each year in claims, and cause the cost of cover to rise by £30 for more responsible motorists. The cost of running, and insuring, a car can be expensive - especially for younger drivers - however it is quicker and easier than ever to find a cheap motor insurance quote. By using a price comparison site to review multiple policies at once and compare deals, the majority of motorists will have no difficulty in finding an insurance premium that is great value for money.

"Motor insurance is required by law and although times are tough there is no reason for motorists to consider cutting corners when it comes to something so important. By covering yourself to drive a car, you are not only protecting yourself in the event of an accident, theft or damage, but you are safeguarding yourself against other less cautious motorists as well."