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Published: 25 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 25 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) launched its “Stay Insured” campaign back in September 2009 to tackle uninsured driving, particularly among younger motorists. (insurancetimes.co.uk)
That campaign is now historic — but the underlying issue hasn’t gone away. MIB’s more recent data suggests uninsured vehicles remain common on UK roads.
The latest picture: how many uninsured vehicles are on UK roads?
MIB said in June 2024 that there is an average of 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads every day. Because vehicles can remain uninsured for months, MIB also said the total number uninsured across a year is over 1 million. (mib.org.uk)
Enforcement is also active. In a January 2025 update, MIB said police take an uninsured vehicle off the road every four minutes using its Police Helpline and the Motor Insurance Database — around 360 vehicles a day (about 130,000 a year). (mib.org.uk)
What the 2009 campaign claimed (for context)
- around 900,000 drivers under 30 driving without insurance
- 1 in 10 drivers aged 18–34 unaware that insurance is a legal requirement
These figures were part of the 2009 campaign narrative and shouldn’t be treated as current estimates. (roadsafetygb.org.uk)
Today’s penalties for driving without insurance
If you’re caught driving a vehicle you’re not insured to drive, GOV.UK says the police can issue:
- a £300 fixed penalty and 6 penalty points
If it goes to court, you can face:
- an unlimited fine and/or disqualification
Police also have the power to seize (and in some cases destroy) the vehicle. (gov.uk)
It can also be an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle.
Under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), you generally must insure a vehicle unless it’s declared off-road with SORN. MIB’s CIE guidance says failing to act after an Insurance Advisory Letter can lead to:
- a £100 fixed penalty, escalating to clamping/seizure and a maximum £1,000 court fine. (mib.org.uk)
How to avoid accidentally driving uninsured
- Set renewal reminders (don’t rely on one email).
- If you change vans, jobs, addresses, or use (e.g., start carrying tools/goods), tell your insurer so the policy still matches the risk.
- If a vehicle is off the road long-term, either insure it or make a SORN (otherwise CIE can apply). (gov.uk)
- Check your own vehicle is showing as insured on the Motor Insurance Database via askMID/Navigate (useful after a new policy, renewal, or vehicle change). (askmid.com)
What if you’re hit by an uninsured driver?
If you’re injured or your property is damaged by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, GOV.UK says you may be able to claim compensation from the MIB. (gov.uk)
Sources
- Insurance Times — “MID launches ‘Stay Insured’” (24 Sept 2009 campaign launch context). View More
- Road Safety GB — “900,000 young drivers have no insurance” (24 Sept 2009 campaign stats). View More
- MIB — “Shocking levels of uninsured vehicle on UK roads” (20 June 2024: average 300,000 uninsured vehicles daily; over 1m across the year). View More
- MIB — “The difference MIB makes… in numbers” (28 Jan 2025: uninsured vehicle seized every 4 minutes; ~360/day). View More
- GOV.UK — Driving without insurance (current penalties: £300 + 6 points; seizure; court outcomes). View More
- MIB — Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE penalties: £100 fixed penalty; seizure; up to £1,000 fine). View More
- GOV.UK — Uninsured vehicles / CIE and SORN basics. View More
- askMID — check a vehicle is insured (Navigate). View More
- GOV.UK — Compensation for victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers (MIB route). View More
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
- Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
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