Driving without insurance
Driving without insurance may seem like minor offences compared with other motoring offences, however, the effects can be far-reaching.
You could receive hefty fines, your insurance premiums are likely to increase, and you could even be disqualified from driving in certain circumstances. Therefore, it’s absolutely essential that you seek the services of an expert motoring offences solicitor to guide you through the criminal justice process.
At Gepp, we provide bespoke criminal law services, designed to preserve your rights and ensure you receive the highest standards of legal advice and defence possible.
Driving without insurance
Under motoring law, anyone using a vehicle on the road or another public place must have valid insurance against third party risks. This includes vehicles which are merely parked on public roads and not being driven.
Furthermore, if you are the driver, you must be named on the insurance. It is not enough that the car you are driving is insured. If the insurance is in someone else’s name, you will be committing an offence.
Driving without insurance is risky because the presence of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras means you’re very likely to get caught by the police.
If you are caught driving without insurance, penalties include receiving a fine and points on your licence, and you could be taken to court, convicted of an offence, and banned from driving.
Speak to one of our expert motoring law solicitors now – call 01245 343971 or email drivingenq@gepp.co.uk.
What we can do for you
We can advise in relation to all aspects of the offences, including:
- Advising you in relation to encounters with the police and Fixed Penalty Notices
- Building you a robust defence, including exploring any ‘special reasons’ for the offence
- Providing professional representation in court if necessary
We will always tailor our advice to your individual situation and we will never advise you to plead guilty to an offence just because it’s ‘easier’. Our goal is to try and achieve the best possible outcome for you in the circumstances.
Driving without insurance FAQs
Is driving without insurance an arrestable offence?
No, but as above, if you are caught driving without insurance, you will likely incur other penalties, such as points or fines, and you may have to attend court at a later date.
What happens if you get caught driving without a insurance?
When the police stop you, they will ask you present your licence, up-to-date insurance documents, and MOT certificate. If you cannot produce these documents, the police will give you seven days to bring these documents to the police station.
If you do not provide the required documents within seven days, you will likely be summonsed to court.
Can you go to prison for driving without insurance?
No, but the penalties associated with these offences are still extremely serious and should be avoided wherever possible.
Can you legally drive without insurance?
The only times you can legally drive without insurance is when driving on completely private property. However, you will need to make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and you cannot take the car on any road to which the public have access.
We can provide advice on SORNs and the narrow circumstances in which insurance is not needed.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance?
If you are stopped by the police for driving without insurance, you may be offered a Fixed Penalty Notice of £300 and 6 penalty points on your licence.
If you do not accept the Fixed Penalty Notice and are required to go to court, the potential penalties are:
- An unlimited fine
- Points on your licences and disqualification from driving if you get more than 12 points within 3 years
The police could also seize and potentially destroy the uninsured vehicle.
What are ‘special reasons’?
‘Special reasons’ is a very complex and discrete area of law, which while not being a defence to a charge may allow a court to avoid an otherwise obligatory endorsement and/or disqualification. It must however relate to how the offence was committed. Expert advice must be obtained with regard to this.
We always ensure we get to grips with every aspect of our clients’ cases, including looking for and flagging special reasons wherever possible.
Why instruct us?
Gepp Solicitors is a traditional law firm with a modern approach. With our office in Chelmsford we are proud to serve our local communities and extremely skilled businesses across Essex using our in-depth knowledge and wide-ranging experience of the courts.
We have been recognised for our expertise in advising and representing clients in criminal motoring law cases with the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation.
We are also accredited in Lexcel for our reliable advice, efficient case management, and our all-round excellent approach to client care.
Gepp Solicitors is independently regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Make contact with our motoring law solicitors in Essex today
If you need advice because you have been caught driving without a licence or insurance cover, get in touch with our specialist motoring law solicitors in Chelmsford by calling 01206 369889, or filling in our enquiry form.
Call us
Main number: 01245 358894
Email us
Main email: drivingenq@gepp.co.uk
Get in touch
Speak to one of our expert motoring law solicitors now – call 01245 343971 or email drivingenq@gepp.co.uk.
Or complete the enquiry form below:
Motoring expertise
Careless Driving |
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Dangerous Driving |
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Drink Driving Offences |
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Driving Whilst Disqualified |
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Driving Without A Licence |
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Driving Without Insurance |
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Drug Driving Offences |
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Failure To Provide Offences |
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Mobile Phone Offences |
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Road Rage Incidents |
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Speeding Offences |
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Totting Up |
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