Brits neglecting car insurance to ease debt concerns?

A number of people in Britain may be neglecting to obtain adequate car insurance in a bid to ease their debt concerns.

New research carried out by moneysupermarket.com revealed one-in-six motorists (15 per cent) have driven a motor they were not insured to drive.

It found four per cent have driven their own vehicle without adequate cover and nine per cent – almost one-in-ten – have admitted to being behind the wheel of someone else’s car without the proper protection.

Furthermore, two per cent of those questioned claimed they have been uninsured on the road in between renewing their policies.

And nearly one-in-ten (eight per cent) of respondents said they have driven without insurance as a result of them not being able to afford it.

In addition, 36 per cent stated they had committed the crime because they did not know they needed insurance and 12 per cent said they had not had the opportunity to renew their policy, while seven per cent admitted they could not be bothered to get covered.

Head of car insurance at the price comparison website Steve Sweeney said: “While we’re all looking to tighten our purse strings, car insurance shouldn’t be an area to cut.”

The industry expert also noted those who do not have sufficient cover and are involved in a crash could face thousands of pounds in liability, as well as charges of up to £5,000.

NFU Mutual recently claimed many households in Britain could face high treatment costs if their pets become ill and they have not taken the time to find adequate insurance for the domestic animals.

By James Francis