Growing cost of motoring could fuel rise in uninsured motorists

New research from Sainsbury’s Bank reveals that 480,390 people claim to have driven without car insurance over the past 12 months, but the bank warns that this problem could get much worse as a result of the rising cost of driving. Indeed, the findings reveal that 1.1 million motorists would be tempted to drive without cover if, for example, their car insurance premiums increased significantly.

Sainsbury’s Bank has found that the cost of motoring, including insurance and petrol, has increased by as much as 7.2% in the last year and is likely to continue rising, but it warns that this is no excuse to drive without insurance. There should be zero tolerance for this crime, which costs honest motorists millions of pounds in extra premiums every year.

The bank believes insurance companies have a part to play in protecting motorists against this crime. For example, unlike many other car insurers, with Sainsbury’s car insurance the no-claim discount is not affected by non-fault claims where the other driver is identified but is uninsured and the cost of the repair has not been recovered.

Sainsbury’s Bank’s research reveals that the age group 17 – 24 has the largest number of people who have admitted to driving without cover over the past year.

Richard Clark, Sainsbury’s car insurance manager said: “Uninsured motorists are a serious problem and we estimate that it adds over 6.5% to premiums. It's not only dangerous, but it's also unfair to expect honest drivers to pick up the tab and we would urge those motorists who are tempted to break the law to consider trying to reduce the cost of motoring without dropping insurance, for example shopping around for cheaper premiums, down grading their vehicle, car sharing or simply not driving at all."

Of the motorists who said that they would be tempted to drive without cover if insurance premiums rose significantly, nearly half of these are aged 17-24. However, although this crime appears to be dominated by younger motorists, Sainsbury’s Bank’s research reveals that motorists of all ages would consider driving without cover if premiums were to rise.

Sainsbury’s car insurance offers competitive premiums - you could save up to £152, and an extensive range of cover and benefits. This includes a courtesy car when using one of Sainsbury's car insurance’s recommended repairers (comprehensive cover only) and a no claim discount of 70% if you have not made a claim in the past five years, rising to 75% after a further five years’ claims free driving. It is also one of only a few providers to offer new for old replacement child car seats after an accident as a standard feature of its comprehensive policy, even when there is no perceived damage to the seat, and support and compensation if you’re a victim of car jacking or road rage.