The number of claims by victims of road accidents involving uninsured drivers has increased for the first time in a decade.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) says that over the past 12 months the number of claims against uninsured motorists has increased by nearly 10 per cent. The spike follows a fall of some 56 per cent from 2004 to date, from around 25,000 per year to roughly 11,000.
According to the MIB, a number of factors that could have contributed to the rise in claims. These include an increase in the number of uninsured drivers, changes in the number of vehicles on the road and how effective law enforcement is.
MIB chief executive Ashton West said: “The numbers of claims handled by MIB each year highlights the devastating impact of uninsured driving on communities and families up and down the country.
“In the last year or so, for the first time in a decade or more, we are starting to see the trend of reduction actually change direction, and we have started to see it increase.
“We recognise the need to understand the increase in claims further so are currently undertaking a piece of work to explore what impact this could be having. Ultimately, our message is the same as always – if you are driving without insurance you will get caught.”
The RAC’s insurance director, Mark Godfrey, told of his concern that the reported increase in uninsured drivers could lead to further rises in insurance premiums.
He said: “If it does turn out to be true there a number of potential factors at play. Drivers have faced three increases in insurance premium tax in two years – making it, in the RAC’s view, a genuine stealth tax on motorists.
“It now stands at 12 per cent and means that those who pay the largest premiums – most often younger drivers and those with less experience – pay more in tax.
“We are concerned spiralling premiums might encourage some drivers to risk driving without insurance, which in turn has the potential to increase premiums still further for everyone.
“We have also expressed concern that the government’s changes to the way in which life-changing injury compensation payments are calculated are also forcing up premiums unnecessarily, and would call for the results of the review by the Ministry of Justice which were due on August 3 to be published as soon as possible.
“Uninsured drivers represent a risk to everybody and we urge the government to take these findings seriously and provide reassurance to motorists that they will act if needed.”
