Op Drive Insured tackles uninsured vehicles on our roads

Between 10-16 November the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) worked alongside all UK police forces to help remove uninsured vehicles from the road. The week-long safety initiative also provided education for otherwise law-abiding motorists on the often innocent mistakes they may be making.

Government figures show the cost to the country of uninsured driving is £1 billion a year. Tackling this issue not only keeps our roads safe but reduces the financial burden on UK citizens.

Martin Saunders, Head of Enforcement at MIB: “Whilst we focus on uninsured driving every day of the year, Operation Drive Insured is a key moment in the year to draw attention to the devastation this issue causes to our society.

“Our aim is to end uninsured driving, which means working closely with the police across the UK to remove dangerous vehicles from our roads. At the same time, we are ramping up our support for motorists who want to drive legally, providing them with the knowledge they need to have the right cover in place.”

During the week of action Devon & Cornwall Police seized 24 vehicles, handed out 34 traffic offence tickets (including for driver awareness courses), made 6 arrests  and stopped 213 cars and 24 light goods vehicles for insurance related offences.

Chief Inspector Dean Drury, of Devon & Cornwall Police, added, “Driving uninsured has both human and economic consequences – such as compensation for victims, emergency services, medical costs and loss of productivity.   Tackling this issue not only reduces the financial burden on our citizens, it keeps Devon and Cornwall roads safer for all users.”  

Whilst drivers who purposely flout the law will continue to be tackled by police, alongside the MiB, police will also be highlighting common insurance mistakes and uninsured driving consequences, enabling drivers who aim to be law-abiding to make informed decisions about their motor policies.

Here are a few easy mistakes worth double-checking:

• Forgotten when your insurance expires? Check your renewal date today.
• Assumed your policy auto-renews? Not all do, and expired payment cards can cause lapses.
• Kept a vehicle off the road without declaring it SORN with the DVLA? Make sure it’s officially off-road.
• Thought fully comprehensive cover lets you drive someone else’s car? It often doesn’t - check your policy first for coverage and any restrictions.
• Using your car for work or deliveries on a social-only policy? You’ll likely need commuting, business or hire-and-reward cover.

If you’re not sure about your insurance status, check today for free: mib.org.uk/DriveInsured 

For general information about road safety visit: Road safety | Devon & Cornwall Police