1 in 5 young drivers has no car insurance

AA Insurance has expressed concern about the number of young uninsured drivers highlighted by a report published by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

Research by the MIB for the Government shows that more than 1 in 5 young motorists are driving on the UK's roads without insurance. This amounts to around 243,000 drivers.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance says: "I'm not surprised at these figures even though it is shocking to see this statistic confirmed.

"The average number of uninsured drivers is 1 in 20, which costs the insurance industry £500 million every year - the equivalent of 30 on every car insurance policy bought by honest motorists.

"Uninsured driving is not a victimless crime. Young drivers are 10 times more likely to be involved in a collision than more experienced drivers. If they have no insurance, any claim has to be met by the MIB which in turn, is funded by honest insurers."

AA Insurance recently called on the industry to recognise efforts by young drivers who are seeking to improve their driving standards, and thus reduce their risk of making a claim, by rewarding them with lower insurance premiums.

Douglas adds: "The record speaks for itself - one out of every five young drivers suffers a crash within their first year of driving. But that doesn't mean that all young drivers a reckless or irresponsible behind the wheel.

"The industry must work together to find a formula that recognises those who are able to demonstrate that they take a responsible approach to driving and help reduce the tragic number of claims they make and the premiums they pay."

The Government and Police have recognised the benefit of the AA Charitable Trust Drive Smart initiative, in helping reduce accident rates among at-risk young driers. "It's disappointing that so far, the insurance industry has not responded," he added.