Drivers reminded to make sure they have insurance

Driving without insurance is a serious offence, with offenders facing a mandatory year off the roads and at least a £600 fine.

Last year there were 172 third party insurance matters – about three a week.

Court Inspector Russell Johnson said the problem had been getting worse this year.

‘In recent months the number of people being referred to traffic court for third party insurance offences has risen dramatically,’ he said.

‘Next week there will be another eight people in court for insurance-related offences.

‘Traffic court is there to ensure people driving at dangerous speeds and committing other endangering offences are brought to justice. While driving without insurance is undoubtedly very serious, we’d much rather islanders ensured they had valid insurance for their vehicles and didn’t have to be brought before the courts.’

It is a driver’s obligation to ensure they are insured to drive a vehicle.

Roads Policing Inspector Thomas Marshall said the offence was often a personal admin failure rather than an offence with malicious intent.

‘However it is still serious and it takes away the protection other road users have,’ he said.

‘I’d strongly encourage every driver in the Bailiwick to check their insurance is valid and up to date, and to ensure it correctly covers them.

‘Not paying isn’t an easy way to save money – our traffic wardens and officers regularly check cars have insurance and if they do not, it will be noted and you will be prosecuted for it if it is on the public highway.’

Car insurance costs have been going up in the UK, with quoted prices having risen by 82% since May 2021.

But Guernsey has not seen such big rises.

Managing director for broker Network, Oliver Goater, said there had been a variety of factors impacting the price of insurance locally, such as some insurers pulling out of the market and claims costs rising after Covid. He added that Guernsey drivers had historically had very low premiums, so these had risen in some cases.

‘Premiums have generally risen by 5% to 10% over the last two years,’ he said.

‘However it could be more expensive for younger drivers.’

In 2022 there were 161 third party insurance matters before the courts, compared to 145 in 2021 and 184 in 2020.