Uninsured driving is expected to rise next year as cost-of-living pressures make it more likely that drivers will make the wrong decision to drive without insurance.

MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau), which supports victims of uninsured and hit-and-run driving, says it has helped around 30,000 people in 2023 – with the worst injured often needing care and treatment for the rest of their lives.

Thanks to MIB’s work, the number of people waiting for support after being injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, has fallen by 25% in the last two years to the lowest level for nearly ten years.

In 2023 alone, MIB has paid out more than £375 million in compensation to victims, which is ultimately paid for by honest premium-paying motorists through their insurance policies. This year, MIB has also invested in providing additional support for the most vulnerable claimants with a team of specially trained claims handlers.

Now, the not-for-profit organisation is raising concerns that the pressure on household budgets, such as mortgage costs as fixed term deals end, could lead to more uninsured drivers on the road.

Andrews Wilkinson, Chief Claims Officer at MIB said he is proud of the support they have given to victims in 2023, but warned there could be more victims.

“We’ve got the number of people waiting for support to its lowest level for nearly ten years, and we’ll continue to do all we can to support victims quickly, fairly and compassionately. However, we know from historical trends that when everyday living costs increase, more people make the wrong decision to drive uninsured. We understand these are tough times, but we want to encourage people to not think it’s OK to drive without insurance because it is never worth the risk. Uninsured driving causes devastation to innocent victims, there are serious consequences for those driving uninsured and ultimately, everyone pays the price. 

MIB is trying to tackle the pressure of a rise in uninsured driving by announcing a further £5m investment to get uninsured drivers off the road with new initiatives and prevention technologies set to launch in 2024. It is also expanding its work with the police as part of its Operation Tutelage programme, which since 2020 has helped more than 500,000 motorists suspected of driving uninsured to correct the mistake.