As the recession bites deeper, an increasing number of motorists are failing to renew their car insurance policies in a bid to reduce the annual costs of keeping their vehicles on the road. Research by AA Insurance reveals that premiums are becoming more and more expensive, prices rising at a rate that is too fast for many UK drivers to keep up with. With the cost of car repairs as well as personal injury claims and associated legal expenses also on the increase, car insurance premiums are likely to continue escalating in price, ultimately leading to a disastrous number of motorists who will persist in driving while failing in their duty of responsibility to their own – and other road users’ – safety.

A worrying 1.6 million UK drivers are believed to already be driving without car insurance in the UK, which may be saving money on their own motoring budget but is adding to the cost of premiums for those who are paying for cover to the tune of around £30 extra per policy. Fraudulent claims are also helping to push-up prices of car insurance, average quotes in the past year showing that premiums have risen by as much as 11%.

Young drivers are being the hardest hit, according to the AA, car insurance proving to be beyond the financial capabilities of many under 21’s, even at a ‘third party only’ level. But under new laws that could come into effect in 2011, uninsured drivers of all ages could suffer a blow to their bank account when they will be faced with paying a fixed penalty fine and possibly see their car crushed. It will become an offence to simply keep an uninsured car, let alone drive it, and with a computer system that will allow the Motor Insurance Bureau and DVLA to cross-reference data in order to identify those breaking the law, hopefully those who consistently drive without car insurance will be forced to change their habits.

Every year, thousands of UK motorists drive in France to reach their holiday destination but the AA are warning of a stringent ‘zero tolerance’ inititative that could affect a small percentage of them. If you are driving abroad this summer, French Gendarmes (Police) are routinely testing for drugs following any road accident involving fatalities, personal injuries, speeding offences and even failure to wear a seatbelt, motorcycle helmet or other more minor offences.

Why is this significant?

Unlike in the UK, if a motorist tests positive for any trace of drugs, including cannabis, French courts could impose severe penalties such as a two year prison sentence and a fine of 4,500 Euros. The implications are that drivers using drugs weeks before driving abroad could still test positive for traces of illegal substances. The AA has expressed concerns because 4.6% of 16 to 59 year olds have used cannabis in the last month, according to the British Crime Survey, although it is not understood how many of these are also considering driving in France.

Another fact for consideration by UK drivers is that alcohol limits for driving are set lower in France – for instance a driver testing positive to 50 or more milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood risks a three year prison sentence and a fine of 9,000 Euros. The key message here is that UK courts will prosecute drivers for being impaired whereas French law addresses those who are simply proven to have traces of illegal, or recreational, drugs in their bloodstream, so many UK drivers may need to implement a few lifestyle changes in anticipation of a road trip in or through France.