Motoring Discussion > Penalties for driving an uninsured car ?	Legal Questions
Thread Author: henry k	Replies: 14

New Sun 4 Apr 10 20:55   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - henry k

Senario. The owner of a vehicle lets the insurance lapse but a named driver is unaware of this and continues to drive the vehicle. The owner does not drive during the uninsured period. What offenses are commited by each? What punishment / fines would be expected for each if the named driver was caught ?? What would happen in the case of the named driver having an accident? Insurance payout on the vehicle damage would zero? Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 4 Apr 10 21:27   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - RattleandSmoke

6 points on your licence and a massive fine. Having no insurance is an absolute so there is no leeway anymore. It is up to the driver to make sure they are insured. They should know when the insurance expires etc even if it is not their insurance policy. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 4 Apr 10 21:34   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Zero

It is an offence for you to use, or to allow another person to use, a motor vehicle on a road or public place if you do not hold an insurance policy which insures against third party risks. As rattle said, its 6 - 8 points, max fine of 5 grand. But - note the "allow another to use" the main policy holder could also be charged with "allowing" not likely tho. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 4 Apr 10 21:49   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - movilogo

Usually 6 points and just £200 fine. Those who mostly drive uninsured usually don't have valid license and paying £200 [if caught] is lower risk than paying a much higher premium. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 4 Apr 10 22:07   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - henry k

Thanks for the answers to date. I guess the fine will depend on income? The senario is that Mot. RFL are all correct. The renewal insurance accidentally got overlooked due to an extended trip abroad. ( no excuse but just sloppy house keeping?) Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 00:07   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Fullchat

Don't forget you loose the car as well and have to pay for recovery and storage :-( Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 10:44   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Cliff Pope

Is that 6 points for the owner or the driver or both? Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 10:56   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - rtj70

That's between 5 and 8 points for the driver. If the owner knew they were driving their car without insurance they also can get the points and fine. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 10:57   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - movilogo

Driver. Owner is not required to have license (unless s/he also wants to drive it). However, AFAIK, owner can be prosecuted (fine etc.) for allowing uninsured driver to use the car. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 17:47   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Cliff Pope

So what offence can the non-driving owner of an uninsured parked car be charged with? Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 18:36   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Fullchat

In respect of insurance 'Keeping' is the same as 'Using'. Same as under the Vehicles Excise Regulations. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 18:50   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - movilogo

Look in official site. www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067639 Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 5 Apr 10 18:55   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - rtj70

>> So what offence can the non-driving owner of an uninsured parked car be charged with? Allowing someone to drive a vehicle without valid insurance. If they did not permit them then the driver may get charged with taking a vehicle too. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Apr 10 08:16   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Cliff Pope

My point was that surely there must be an offence of owning a car on a public road, even if parked, even if the owner is a non-driver without a licence to endorse, regardless of whether somebody else drives it with or without permission? The owner does not even have to be an individual - it might be a company, or a deceased's estate still subject to probate, or indeed a minor too young to be charged with any offence. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 6 Apr 10 09:25   Penalties for driving an uninsured car ? - Zero

As full chat said, keeping is the same as driving for insurance purposes. So any registered keeper who keeps a car on a public place without insurance is comitting the offence. Reply to this message | Report message