Drivers issued warning as major mistake could land you £1,000 fine and your car clamped

Drivers could see their vehicles clamped and face a fine of £1,000 if they fail to make this simple admin check.

The motoring experts at Motor Match warn that if you are caught driving without insurance you could face some major penalties. In the UK, it is against the law to drive on public roads without at least third-party car insurance. This type of insurance will cover you if you’re deemed responsible for a road accident that causes injuries to others or damage to their property.

If you drive an uninsured car, you could receive a £100 fine from the DVLA, a potential £300 fixed penalty from the police and if the case goes to court, the fine could reach £1,000. The police and local council can also clamp or get cars towed away if their owners haven't paid tax or insurance. Even if the car itself is insured, you could still be penalised if you’re not insured to drive that particular vehicle - this ensures that all parties are protected in the event of an accident

Motor Match said driving without insurance is a "direct violation of public safety". They added: "Failure to adhere to this law not only endangers the driver and the public but also exposes the driver to significant legal penalties."

"The penalties for driving without insurance are steep. Initially, offenders may face a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on their licence. However, if escalated to court, the consequences can be much more severe, including possible disqualification from driving. These measures underscore the seriousness with which the law treats the act of driving uninsured."

"Beyond financial penalties and points on the driver's licence, law enforcement has the authority to take immediate action against uninsured vehicles on the roads. This can include having the vehicle wheel-clamped, impounded, or even destroyed.”

Motor Match says it is "crucial" that drivers be aware that not all insurance policies renew automatically. They added: "Being proactive in checking the policy details and renewal dates is essential to avoid unintentionally driving uninsured. Moreover, drivers should verify that their insurance coverage matches their vehicle's use, especially if it involves business activities, to ensure full protection under the law."

The experts noted that for vehicles not in use and stored on private property, the law does provide an exemption from the continuous insurance requirement through the declaration of a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN). They added: "This is an important legal provision that vehicle owners should utilise to avoid unnecessary insurance costs while also staying compliant with the law."

Drivers can register a vehicle as off the road through the Government website and once you've applied it will begin immediately if your vehicle tax has expired. Your SORN will start on the first day of the next month if you apply in the month your vehicle tax is due to expire. You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax and you cannot use the vehicle on the road until you tax it again.