Safety is the number one priority when driving, and a crucial element of road safety is driving with the proper insurance and documentation.
We wanted to explore how seriously drivers take insurance, in particular to see how many are caught by the police driving without the cover they need.
IN10 endorsements cover offences related to driving without cover against third-party risks. This means that the offender has no cover at all, or their cover is invalid. This could be because it is the wrong insurance for that vehicle, has expired or was fraudulently obtained.
In an attempt to uncover how many Britons drive illegally, without insurance, we requested exclusive data to compare the number of IN10 endorsement convictions in each region across the UK. The data covers the whole year of 2024.
This study highlights the prevalence of uninsured drivers whilst reminding and educating the importance of safe, insured driving.
Our study found that over 86,000 drivers were caught illegally driving without insurance in 2024, but where in the UK are the highest number of offenders?
Blackburn named the ‘uninsured driver capital’
Overall, across the UK, one in 553 people has been caught driving without proper cover.
Blackburn in Lancashire emerged as the ‘uninsured driver capital’ of the UK, with a higher rate of drivers caught driving without cover there than other locations.
One in 242 drivers in Blackburn has been caught driving without insurance by the police, over double the national average.
Bradford, West Yorkshire, was just behind (one in 244), with several London areas also making the top ten.
The UK’s Top 10 Uninsured Driver Hotspots
| Rank | Location | No. of uninsured drivers per licence holders |
| 1 | Blackburn, Lancashire | 1 in 242 |
| 2 | Bradford, West Yorkshire | 1 in 244 |
| 3 | South East London | 1 in 262 |
| 4 | Ilford, Greater London | 1 in 280 |
| 5 | East London | 1 in 287 |
| 6 | Romford, Greater London | 1 in 292 |
| 7 | Northampton, Northamptonshire | 1 in 314 |
| 8 | North London | 1 in 331 |
| 9 | Harrow, Greater London | 1 in 335 |
| 10 | Birmingham, West Midlands | 1 in 338 |
Comparing IN10 endorsements to the number of local licence holders
While Blackburn was the worst area for uninsured drivers per driver, in terms of pure numbers, Birmingham is home to the highest number of convicted uninsured drivers.
Almost 3,500 drivers were caught driving without cover against third-party risks in the UK’s second city in 2024. While this is a higher amount than any other area, the sheer number of licence holders means that the rate of conviction (one in 338) is lower than Blackburn (one in 242).
Manchester (2,281) and East London (2,125) are the two other areas with a high quantity of uninsured drivers in 2024.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance?
Driving without insurance in the UK is a serious offence and could be something you seriously regret.
If you are caught, you can face a fixed fine of £300 and as many as six points on your driving licence. If the case goes to court, the fine can be unlimited, and you may even be disqualified from driving altogether.
The police have the power to seize your vehicle on the spot if you’re found to be driving without insurance. They can also destroy the vehicle if you do not arrange insurance and pay any recovery fees within a set time.
Your car insurance is meant to cover damage or injury to other people or property. Driving without it means you’re putting others at risk and avoiding your legal duty. If you cause an accident and don’t have insurance, you will be held responsible for all costs, including repairs and legal fees.
Even if you think you’re insured, it’s your responsibility to check. Not knowing or forgetting is not a valid excuse in the eyes of the law. Always make sure your vehicle is properly insured before driving.
Stay covered at all times
As the number of uninsured drivers in the UK remains a concern, it’s more important than ever for motorists to understand the range of insurance options available to stay legally protected at all times. If driving a friend’s or family member’s car is the only option, be sure to secure temporary car insurance, rather than risking driving without cover.
Short-term cover is a smart, low-risk solution for anyone driving a car they don’t own or share. It prevents the legal and financial consequences of being uninsured.
There are many everyday situations where this kind of insurance can be invaluable:
- Sharing the driving on long road trips
- Borrowing a car from a friend or family member
- Using your vehicle temporarily for business purposes
- Test-driving or transporting a vehicle during the buying or selling process
- Learner drivers practising outside of lessons
Temporary car insurance can provide immediate, flexible cover for anywhere from just one hour up to 30 days.
Getting cover can take just a few minutes in today’s fast-paced, mobile-first world. You can insure yourself on a vehicle quickly and conveniently using our app.
