Appeal Fixed Penalty Notice for Driving Without Insurance
Have you received a fixed penalty notice for driving without insurance? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. Each month, over 32,000 people come to this site for advice on how to deal with tickets and fines.
In this article, we’ll help you understand:
- The law about driving with no insurance and why you got a fixed penalty notice.
- The steps to take if you want to appeal your ticket.
- The penalties you might face for not having car insurance.
- When you might not need insurance.
- How to handle being hit by a driver with no insurance.
Our team has offered guidance to many people in your position, so we know it can be scary to get a penalty notice. But you can rest easy now. Let’s get started and learn how to deal with your notice for driving without insurance.
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In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
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Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
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What is the law around insurance when driving?
Even if the car in which you are travelling is insured, if you do not have the necessary insurance to drive it, you risk being prosecuted for driving without insurance and getting a fine.
You should also ensure that your insurance policy covers the relevant application. If you drive for work or business, you will not be automatically insured in this circumstance.
How do I appeal a fixed penalty notice for driving without insurance?
Fixed penalty notifications for driving without insurance do not have a formal appeals process. As a result, if you refuse to accept guilt for the offence, the case will be decided in court.
However, because this will be an expensive and time-consuming process, you should think about it carefully before appealing.
If you are found guilty of the offence and ordered to pay, the fines imposed by a court will be higher than those indicated in the initial fixed penalty notice.
If you decide to fight a fixed penalty notice, I strongly advise you to seek the advice of a trained legal expert or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
I’ve been stopped by the police for driving with no insurance. What happens next?
Well, first things first, you will need to arrange alternative transport to get to wherever it is that you were going because your car will be seized and put into storage until you get the appropriate insurance and pay storage and transportation fees.
You are usually given a timetable to pay for and collect the car, which is usually a few of weeks, after which the car may be scrapped.
You will also be issued your FPN on the spot or very soon after, together with the information of the actions that will be taken against you.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
What penalties will I face for driving without insurance?
As you can imagine, the penalties for driving without insurance are pretty severe.
They include:
- A fine: the authorities may levy a £300 fixed penalty. If your vehicle is parked on the street but not being driven, you might risk a fine of up to £1000 if the police find it and it is not insured. If the case is brought to court, you could face an even bigger fine.
- Seizure of your vehicle: Without the correct insurance, which you will need to show proof of, your vehicle will be taken off you at the roadside, and if not collected in time – as well as paying for transport and storage fees – you may well find that it is scrapped.
- Points on your licence: Driving without insurance might result in six penalty points on your licence. These points will appear on your driving record for four years and will cause your insurance premiums to go up while they are there – quite significantly in many cases.
- Driving ban: If the case is brought before a judge and you are found guilty, you may be banned from driving. The court will set the length of the driving prohibition; however, repeat offenders who are prohibited from driving for more than 56 days will be needed to apply for a new licence and may be required to retake both their theory and practical tests.
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Is driving without insurance a crime?
While it is illegal to drive without the appropriate insurance, a conviction for this offence will not appear on a criminal record on its own.
If you are found guilty of driving while uninsured, an IN10 endorsement will be placed on your driving licence for four years, and you will need to submit this information to insurance providers for an additional year – and it will affect the premiums that you pay.
Are there any extenuating circumstances for driving without insurance?
Occasionally, there are some extenuating circumstances or ‘special reasons’ that a driver can use to try to get a more lenient punishment for driving without insurance. However, a charge for driving without insurance is unlikely to be cancelled altogether, unlike other driving offences such as parking or driving in a bus lane. These might include:
- If your insurance provider has cancelled your policy without giving you adequate notice
- The driver has been told by the car or policy owner that they are covered by insurance
This forum user on money Saving Expert explains special reasons clearly:
Is insurance required if I am just test-driving a vehicle?
Insurance – third-party cover at the very least – is required whenever a car is on a public road, even if you are just taking it for two minutes down the road.
Most car dealerships have dealer coverage, which allows you to take the car for a quick test spin. However, if you are purchasing a car from a private seller and want to try before you buy, you will need to ensure that your existing policy covers you for driving another vehicle – something that is not as common as it used to be – or take out a temporary cover.
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Do I need insurance if my car is parked on the public road?
Even if you do not intend to drive it, car insurance is required if you own a car as of June 2011, even if you do not intend to use it. This applies to vehicles kept on a public road, in a driveway, or in a garage on your property. This is due to a law known as Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), which was enacted to limit the number of uninsured drivers on the road.
If, on the other hand, you are not currently driving your uninsured car, you may be able to avoid legal ramifications. Simply contact the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) and request a free Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).
Is comprehensive insurance enough to cover me to drive any vehicle?
While many comprehensive policies provide DOC (driving other cars) coverage, it is usually subject to terms and limitations, including age and experience, so it’s always better to check your insurance specifics first. It is becoming moe difficult to find policies that do have this cover.
Many people have broken the law by believing that their comprehensive insurance covers them to drive another person’s vehicle.
If the owner of the car allows their vehicle to be used by an uninsured driver, they have also committed an offence, and you may both earn points and a fine.
When do I not need insurance?
Although the majority of cars must be insured, there are certain exceptions. Your car does not require insurance if it is:
- It has been declared off the road through the SORN process
- It has been scrapped, stolen or exported
- It is currently between dealers or registered keepers
- It is registered as ‘in trade’ with the DVLA
What if I am hit by an uninsured motorist?
If you’re in a car accident, you’ll normally exchange insurance information with the other driver. However, if the other driver is uninsured or refuses to provide you with their information, you should contact the police.
You may also be entitled to seek compensation from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which protects anyone harmed or whose property has been damaged by an uninsured driver.
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References:
- Gov.uk. (n.d.). Vehicle insurance. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance [Accessed 24 Aug. 2023].
- Financial Ombudsman Service. (n.d.). Our approach to car insurance complaints. [online] Available at: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/insurance/motor-insurance [Accessed 24 Aug. 2023]
- Motor Insurers’ Bureau. (n.d.). Continuous Insurance Enforcement. [online] Available at: https://www.mib.org.uk/reducing-uninsured-driving/continuous-insurance-enforcement/ [Accessed 24 Aug. 2023].
- Motor Insurers’ Bureau. (n.d.). Making a claim. [online] Available at: https://www.mib.org.uk/making-a-claim/ [Accessed 24 Aug. 2023].
