Beating premiums with no insurance

It’s a difficult time for young drivers as the cost of driving gets progressively higher, from more expensive fuel to soaring insurance premiums. Such is the case that a shocking number of young drivers have considered driving without insurance – as many as 20%, according to Young Marmalade insurance company. Most of them feel they are being priced out; this is particularly true of men 17-22, who can pay over £1,000 a year more than female drivers of the same age.

Everyone should be aware, though, that being caught driving without insurance carries a heavy price – a minimum of 150% of a week’s net pay and 6 points on the license to a maximum of £5,000 and a 12-month disqualification. Further, a conviction means liability for not only the fine, but legal costs and the victim surcharge, not to mention increased insurance premiums in future (if, indeed, insurance companies are willing to insure the driver at all, which is often not the case).

The consequences are dire, and there is no middle ground as it is an offence of strict liability. The only thing resembling a grey area is the possibility that conditions qualifying as “special reasons” might exist so that the driving license is not endorsed. For example, if you already have 6 points on your license, and driving is entirely essential for you to be able to do your job and support yourself and your family, it’s possible for the court to opt not to endorse the driving license with a further 6 points to ensure that you can keep driving. It is, however, very much at the judge’s discretion, and a simple “I drive to work” argument won’t cut the mustard.