Are Uninsured Drivers Putting Cornwall at Risk? Op Drive Insured Results Revealed

Between 10th and 16th November the Motor Insurers’ Bureau worked with police forces across the UK to remove uninsured vehicles from the road. The national week of action also focused on helping otherwise law-abiding motorists avoid the common mistakes that can leave them unintentionally uninsured.

Costly Problem Across the UK

Government figures show uninsured driving costs the country £1 billion each year. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau says tackling the issue keeps roads safer and reduces the financial impact on the public.

Martin Saunders, Head of Enforcement at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, said, “Whilst we focus on uninsured driving every day of the year, Operation Drive Insured is a key moment in the year to draw attention to the devastation this issue causes to our society.
“Our aim is to end uninsured driving, which means working closely with the police across the UK to remove dangerous vehicles from our roads. At the same time, we are ramping up our support for motorists who want to drive legally, providing them with the knowledge they need to have the right cover in place.”

Devon and Cornwall Police Results

During the week of action Devon and Cornwall Police seized 24 vehicles, issued 34 traffic offence tickets including for driver awareness courses, made 6 arrests and stopped 213 cars and 24 light goods vehicles for insurance related offences.

Chief Inspector Dean Drury said, “Driving uninsured has both human and economic consequences such as compensation for victims, emergency services, medical costs and loss of productivity. Tackling this issue not only reduces the financial burden on our citizens, it keeps Devon and Cornwall roads safer for all users.”

Common Mistakes Drivers Might Not Realise

Police and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau say many motorists simply make honest errors. They are encouraging drivers to double check a few key points to stay on the right side of the law:

• Forgotten when your insurance expires? Check your renewal date today.
• Assumed your policy auto renews? Some don’t, and expired payment cards can cause lapses.
• Keeping a vehicle off the road without declaring it SORN? Make sure it’s correctly registered.
• Believing fully comprehensive cover lets you drive someone else’s car? It often doesn’t.
• Using your car for work or deliveries on a social only policy? You may need commuting, business or hire and reward cover.

Motorists can check their insurance status for free through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau at mib.org.uk/DriveInsured.

For wider road safety information, Devon and Cornwall Police direct drivers to their advice pages at devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety