Car insurance warning as police carry out extra checks

Drivers across Warwickshire are being urged by the police check their car insurance as officers carry out extra checks on motorists between the 10th and 16th of November.

Last year, over 1,200 vehicles including cars, vans and lorries were seized for being uninsured.

If your car is taken, you’ll need to prove you’re insured and pay recovery fees within fourteen days - otherwise it could be scrapped or sold.

Warwickshire Police say common mistakes include forgetting renewal dates, thinking your policy auto-renews, or driving for work on a social-only policy.

Uninsured drivers face a three hundred pound fine and six points on their licence, with tougher penalties possible in court.

A quick check today could save you a lot of trouble in the future.

The force say common mistakes made by drivers include:

• Forgetting when your insurance expires? Check your renewal date today
• Assuming your policy auto-renews? Not all do, and expired payment cards can cause lapses
• Keeping a vehicle off the road without declaring it SORN with the DVLA? Make sure it’s officially off-road
• Thinking fully comprehensive cover lets you drive someone else’s car? It often doesn’t - check your policy first for coverage and any restrictions
• Using your car for work or deliveries on a social-only policy? You’ll likely need commuting, business or hire-and-reward cover
• Uninsured drivers may receive a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence

If your case goes to court, you may also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban.

The consequences are the same whether you’ve made a genuine mistake or not.

A quick check of your policy could save a lot of stress and expense in the long run.

Being caught driving uninsured can affect every part of your life – a loss of your independence, an inability to care for dependents such as taking your children to school, and even affect job prospects as a driving conviction can show up on background searches.

If you’re not sure about your insurance status, check today for free here.

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