Current data suggests that 1.4 million drivers hit British roadways without proper coverage. Written notices are currently being circulated to offenders, who must comply or start considering public transportation options. The CIE stipulates that, upon receipt of the aforementioned warning, registered owners of uninsured vehicles can either secure insurance immediately or declare that the vehicle will be kept “off the road,” alerting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Vehicle owners failing to abide with the order will incur a fine of 100 euros, leading to the uninsured vehicle being clamped, seized, or even crushed. Owners may also face court prosecution. It should be noted that simply owning (not just driving) a vehicle sans proper insurance coverage will constitute a violation, unless said vehicle is declared inoperable to the DVLA.

In a press release, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning emphasized that uninsured driving consumes vital resources. He explained that the enforcement of CIE should hopefully result in more sensible allocation of law enforcement's time moving forward:

“These new powers will help us to take targeted action while freeing up police time to deal with the hard core of offenders,” Penning stated.

West expressed similar optimism in backing the newly enacted law, which he called the “final piece in the jigsaw against uninsured [driving].”

It is too early to tell if the recent developments across the pond will spur P&C insurers and legislators to either take action or perhaps consider tougher penalties for infractions here in the U.S.

Source: Swinton Insurance