Driving without insurance

It is an offence for a person to use — or to cause or permit another person to use — a motor vehicle on a public road or other public place without a policy of insurance (or a security) in respect of third-party risks.

Do I need insurance if my car is kept on private property?

You do not need to insure your vehicle if it is kept off the road and declared off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). If you do not SORN your vehicle, it must still be insured even when kept on private property — otherwise you commit an offence carrying a financial penalty. This is called continuous insurance enforcement.

The penalties

The penalty depends on the aggravating and mitigating features, personal mitigation and plea, but can include an unlimited fine, 6 to 8 penalty points, or a discretionary disqualification.

For new drivers the consequences can be especially severe: 6 points within two years of passing your test leads to revocation of your licence. We have helped many drivers — including new drivers — put forward the strongest possible case.

• If you have a defence
• If you are unsure whether the elements of the offence are made out
• If there are special reasons not to endorse your licence or disqualify you from driving
• If you do not know what the sentencing guidelines are, or do not think you should be dealt with in accordance with them
• If you want a solicitor to make representations on your behalf, or do not want to represent yourself in court
• If you want to try and persuade the court to impose fewer points than the guidelines suggest
• If you would prefer points rather than a discretionary disqualification — or the other way round
• If you are at risk of a penalty points (totting up) disqualification