Data released by the MIB (Motor Insures’ Bureau) has revealed the top five worst areas in the county for uninsured driving, with Elmbridge leading the way. Surrey Police ran a week-long vital road safety initiative ‘Operation Drive Insured’ from 11-15 November to get uninsured drivers off the road.
Whilst KT10 tops the list of hotspots within the Surrey area, it comes in at just 74th place nationally. No postal area within the region has had more than eight claims across the two-year period.
| Rank | Postal area | Location |
| 1 | KT10 | Elmbridge |
| 2 | TW20 | Runnymede |
| 3 | RH1 | Reigate and Banstead |
| 4 | GU9 | Waverley |
| 5 | GU15 | Surrey Heath |
Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver and, tragically, each day at least one person suffers injuries so severe they need life-long care.
Uninsured driving is, sadly, not a standalone issue, so stopping an uninsured vehicle can help identify individuals of interest, drink and drug driving, stolen vehicles or property, and organised crime networks.
Along with the week’s campaign, a dedicated morning took place at Sandown Racecourse on Friday, 15 November which resulted in:
3 vehicles with no insurance, with 1 vehicle seized
1 arrest for driving under the influence of drugs
18 individual stops for varying levels of offences:
- speed
- driving whilst on a mobile phone
- non-conforming plates (used to avoid ANPR and ULEZ)
- excessive window tints
It equally has a hugely significant economic impact. MIB estimates all injuries caused by uninsured and hit-and-run drivers potentially cost the economy nearly £2.4 billion a year in emergency services, medical care, loss of productivity and human costs.
T/PS Martin Abel: “Not only will your vehicle be seized, but you will receive a £300 fine and six points on your license. If you end up in court, you could also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban. The consequences are not only financial, being caught driving uninsured can affect every part of your life; you could lose your independence and it could even impact your ability to get a new job as any driving convictions will come up on searches.”
Don’t risk the serious consequences of driving uninsured
Common insurance pitfalls include:
Top tips to ensure your insurance remains valid:
- Don’t assume your motor insurance policy is set to auto-renew
- Check your payment method is still valid when your renewal is due
- Don’t assume that fully-comprehensive cover allows you to drive someone else’s vehicle
- Remember to SORN a vehicle if it is being taken off the road and not used
- Check your insurance allows for the class-of-use required, such as commuting or making food or parcel deliveries
If you’re not sure about your insurance status, check today for free: mib.org.uk/driveinsured