'One in three drivers uninsured'

12/09/11

by Matt Gibson

Nearly one in three drivers do not have a car insurance policy in place in some areas of the UK, new research has found.

Bordesley in Birmingham was found to be the worst area in terms of drivers taking to the road with no insurance, with almost a third of motorists not covered, according to figures from the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

The Motor Insurers' Bureau, the organisation responsible for compensating motorists who have been involved in accidents with uninsured drivers, said that parts of Essex, Manchester and West Yorkshire were also serious hot spots.

Bradford was second to Birmingham in the offending areas list. The situation is so severe in the city, with many drivers refused insurance, that local MP David Ward has launched his own car insurance campaign.

Overall the total number of uninsured motorists driving on Britain's roads is thought to be around 1.4 million - or one in 25 motorists. Drivers with no insurance cost UK motorists around an extra £30 each on top of their premiums, it has been estimated.

Ashton West, chief executive of the MIB, said: "We cannot stand by and let uninsured driving continue. Otherwise, the honest motorist will keep paying the bills for the injury and damage caused to people and property."