Research released today highlights the worrying gaps in motor insurance understanding for drivers aged 18-24, with 25% unaware that it’s compulsory to have insurance for any vehicle used on public roads.

Data published today by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau), the not-for-profit that exists to protect people from the devastation of uninsured and hit-and-run driving, signals the launch of its latest Operation Drive Insured campaign. 

The week-long road safety initiative sees MIB partner with all UK police forces to make roads safer by removing uninsured vehicles and raise awareness of the issue so drivers who may be making unintentional errors can correct their mistakes.

Uninsured driving is a huge problem, costing the UK economy an estimated £1 billion every year. To improve road safety, MIB is working hard to educate young drivers, including those learning and in their first years of being a motorist. The survey of over 2,000 British adults highlights a significant knowledge gap across respondents aged 18 to 24.

Across this particular group of drivers, findings include:

• 52% of 18 to 24-year-olds are unaware that not all policies are set-up to auto-renew
• 45% are unaware that not all insurance policies include the ability to drive other vehicles as standard
• 43% aren’t aware that they need to purchase the insurance type that aligns with the way they'll use their vehicle. This is important if they drive to or for work, or to make deliveries.

“Whilst the aim of MIB will always be to remove the risk that uninsured drivers pose to our roads, this goes hand-in-hand with educating those who may be making innocent mistakes.” says Angus Eaton, CEO at MIB.

“Young drivers are the newest group to sit behind the wheel and so we’re working harder than ever to make sure they have the information they need to make informed decisions about their motor insurance. Right from when they need their first policy we want to help them understand that getting the right cover isn’t just about getting the cheapest price – it’s about what’s appropriate for them, their vehicle and their needs.”

When stopped by police, the consequences for uninsured driving are the same whether it was intentional or an oversight. However, once again, young drivers are the least in the know compared to the older respondents. Awareness was particularly low when it came to realising their car could be crushed, with just 20% of young drivers realising that this may be an outcome compared to a survey average of 49%.

“Driving uninsured or with inadequate cover has serious consequences, impacting long-term job prospects and independence, so we’re encouraging all drivers to check their policy is right for them today.” says Eaton.

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 cover to lapse.
• Are all your details correct? Errors or typos leading to the wrong registration number, date of birth or address could invalidate your policy.
• Have any details changed during your policy? A new job, moving home or simply driving more miles a year can all affect your cover.
• Do you have the right type of insurance? Once you pass your test, you can’t use a learner policy. Using your car for work or deliveries may require commuting, business or hire-and-reward cover.
• Does your policy let you drive other cars? Fully comprehensive cover often doesn’t - check for coverage and limitations, including age restrictions.
• Is your vehicle modified? Even small changes, such as alloy wheels, upgraded stereos, tinted windows or performance upgrades, can affect your cover.

To learn more about insurance mistakes and to check your insurance status, visit: mib.org.uk/DriveInsured