Millions of Britons 'putting themselves and others at increased risk' by breaking car insurance rules

WATCH: Motoring expert Amanda Stretton speaks to GB News about expensive car insurance prices

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GB NEWS

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 02/10/2025

- 04:00

Some drivers are still paying more than £2,000 for their car insurance premiums

More than one million drivers could find themselves in hot water unknowingly for breaking risky car insurance laws.

A shocking 1.4 million motorists have admitted to driving without valid car insurance, with many citing expensive policies and premiums.


A further 2.4 million said they would consider doing so if necessary, according to concerning new data from CRIF.

The research also shows that five per cent of motorists admitted to previously travelling without motor insurance, despite it being a legal requirement.

The data, from Europe's leading provider of insurance and credit information, highlights how many drivers could find themselves in breach of rules.

Although car insurance premiums have fallen in recent years, many are still struggling with expensive costs, especially as the cost of living crisis rages on.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that motor insurance premiums soared by 25 per cent in 2023 alone.

The latest data from Confused.com shows that the average car insurance policy will cost drivers £735 in the third quarter of 2025.

Car insurance

Millions of drivers risk breaking the law for travelling without motor insurance

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This represents a 16 per cent drop compared to the same time one year ago, when the average driver was paying £834, with prices falling a further £22 over the last three months.

However, drivers will pay more for their coverage based on their personal details. Motorists in Inner London pay an average of £1,149, while premiums cost just £573 in South Wales.

Age plays an even bigger factor. Young drivers who have recently passed their tests pay more than £2,000 for cover, more than four times the amount that a 60-year-old would pay.

Sara Costantini, Regional Director for the UK and Ireland at CRIF, said: "UK drivers are struggling with spiralling premiums and it's deeply concerning to see millions of people take to the road uninsured as a result.

Car insurance

Many Britons consider that car insurance prices are currently the most expensive they have ever been

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"They're not only breaking the law but also putting themselves and others at increased risk."

Research from CRIF shows that 45 per cent of European policyholders have noticed a sharp increase in car insurance prices over the last five years.

More than a quarter of European drivers believe their insurance is the most expensive it has ever been, with UK drivers above this average.

One in five British drivers fears they could be involved in a "crash-for-cash" scam, prompting 15 per cent of drivers to install dashcams in their vehicles.

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A further eight per cent reported that they drive less because of fears around being involved in car insurance fraud.

Ms Costantini noted that while premiums are falling in price, they remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

She added: "It's vital the industry works to harness the latest innovations in areas like data and analytics to improve assessments and fraud detection.

"This would help drive costs down further and increase affordability, so that drivers aren't forced to choose between their finances and safety on the road."