The Avondhu

Almost 1 in 5 know someone who has driven without insurance

Almost one in five people (17%) know someone who has driven uninsured, with lapsed cover (25%) and lack of affordability (23%) cited as the main reasons people believe that motorists get behind the wheel without cover.

This is according to the findings of a new survey which examined the number of drivers who either drove, or know someone who drove, uninsured, as well as their reasons for doing so. Headline findings from the survey conducted by Peopl Insurance from a poll of 1,000 people, reveal that very few (3%) people say they themselves have driven uninsured.

The results come on the back of new research from the MIBI which reveals that in 2022 the total number of private vehicles driving without insurance reached 187,803 accounting for 8.3% of the entire fleet of private vehicles on Irish roads - an increase of 13,626 over the 2021 figure.

Almost one in five (18pc) said that either they, or someone they know, had driven uninsured as they ‘just didn’t bother to get insurance’.

HEFTY PENALTY

Paul Walsh, CEO of Peopl Insurance, said uninsured drivers must understand that there are serious repercussions to their actions.

“You could get a fine of up to €5,000 and five penalty points on your licence if you’re caught driving uninsured. This is in addition to a mandatory court appearance and An Garda Síochána having the power to seize your vehicle on the spot. Uninsured drivers are pursued for the costs of claims in later years. So, if they inherit money or property, this can be used to offset any compensation which arose.”

AVON

en-ie

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/282067691193778

The Avondhu (Ireland)