Uninsured driving remains a significant concern across the UK, posing risks to all road users. Recent data from the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) has identified the top 15 postcodes with the highest rates of uninsured drivers, with Birmingham notably leading the list.
Based on two years of MIB claim data, the following postcodes have been identified as the most affected by uninsured driving:
Rank | Postcode | Location |
|---|---|---|
1 | B11 | Birmingham |
2 | B21 | Birmingham |
3 | DA17 | Bexley |
4 | WV2 | Wolverhampton |
5 | NE29 | North Tyneside |
6 | HP12 | Buckinghamshire |
7 | B18 | Birmingham |
8 | SK1 | Stockport |
9 | B8 | Birmingham |
10 | WS4 | Walsall |
11 | CV7 | Solihull |
12 | BL7 | Bolton |
13 | B33 | Birmingham |
14 | DN8 | Doncaster |
15 | MK7 | Milton Keynes |
Birmingham is prominently featured, with five of its postcodes in the top 15. Other areas, including Bexley, Wolverhampton, and North Tyneside, also show significant levels of uninsured driving.
In response to these findings the MIB has launched the 'Operation Drive Insured' campaign in partnership with police forces across the UK. This operation would work against uninsured driving to achieve the goal of safer roads. Police will use the MIB's Navigate system, which is a comprehensive database of active motor insurance policies, to identify and take action against uninsured vehicles. Additionally, markers from Operation Tutelage which flag vehicles previously detected without insurance, will assist in focusing enforcement efforts.
Uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents and often engage in other illegal activities, including driving under the influence and using stolen vehicles. According to MIB, the estimated cost to the economy from all injuries caused by uninsured and hit-and-run drivers is almost £2.4 billion annually in terms of emergency services, medical care and loss of productive ability.
Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fixed penalty notice, six penalty points on your licence, and the potential seizure and destruction of your vehicle. In court, offenders may face unlimited fines and driving bans. To avoid this, drivers must:
- Ensure their insurance is up-to-date and set to auto-renew.
- Check that their payment methods are up to date.
- Confirm their policy covers them for the intended use of the vehicle, such as commuting or deliveries.
- Declare a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) if not using the vehicle.
By following these tips, drivers take part in making the roads safer and avoid severe consequences from driving without insurance.
Uninsured driving still remains a problem in the UK, with specific areas more affected than others. By working together with the MIB, the police, and the public, there is a possibility of reducing this rate, making roads safer for everyone.
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