Drivers have been warned they could be fined £300 for breaking a crucial Highway Code this October half-term as millions of motorists hit the road, potentially causing traffic chaos.
With more cars on the road, experts have warned the risk of accidents and injuries could be a growing concern, especially as roughly 337,000 of these vehicles are uninsured.
The warning comes after research found that only 52 per cent of drivers are aware that their insurance no longer covers them driving another person’s vehicle.
The Highway Code dictates that in order to use a motor vehicle on the road, "you MUST" have a valid insurance policy or could face police action.
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Seven million vehicles are estimated to hit UK roads this half-term
PAThe Code states: “This MUST at least cover you for injury or damage to a third party while using that motor vehicle. Before driving any motor vehicle, make sure that it has this cover for your use or that your own insurance provides adequate cover.”
Drivers can be fined £300 fine and given six penalty points on their licence for driving a vehicle they are not insured on, but in more severe cases an unlimited fine or even disqualification from driving can be issued.
Police forces also have the power to seize, and in some cases even “destroy”, vehicles that are being driven without proper insurance.
Jake Lambert, insurance expert at Tempcover, explained that millions of families will be escaping for a “well-earned” break or trip over the October half-term.
But motorists who are borrowing vehicles or sharing driving should take time to check their policy before getting on the road to avoid the risk of unwittingly driving without insurance.
He said: “Many drivers mistakenly believe they are covered under their existing policy, when this often isn’t the case. Not checking insurance details can lead to drivers hitting the road without the necessary protection.”
Motorists with comprehensive insurance policies were previously covered to drive any other car as standard, but since the early 2000s insurers have removed this cover.
Drivers who are confused about whether they are covered are advised to look in their insurance documents for a section referencing "Driving Other Cars", the expert suggested.
Lambert added that the likelihood of congestion, delays, and accidents will rise significantly this half-term due to more cars setting off.
“It’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant, plan their journeys carefully, and allow plenty of time to reach their destinations. Additionally, motorists should take extra precautions, such as ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and that they’re familiar with their insurance coverage before setting off," he urged.
According to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), an estimated 300,000 uninsured drivers are on UK roads every day and causing a risk to other users.
James Dalton, chief services officer at the MIB, warned that the number of uninsured vehicles is “hugely unfair” to those who have to pay through their premiums for all claims made to MIB.
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Drivers can be fined £300 by police for using uninsured vehicles
PAA YouGov study commissioned by MIB found that 10 per cent of the British public are not aware that motor insurance is compulsory for any vehicle used on a public road.
The group recently invested a further £5million to update and expand their enforcement initiatives that help remove uninsured vehicles from the road.
