Insurance blitz from database
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Owner-drivers running their vehicles without insurance will be more easily detected if plans to crack down on uninsured driving go ahead.
A national database detailing all individually owned vehicles showing which drivers are insured for specific vehicles could begin within three years, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The database could include up to 20 million drivers: ABI staff are meeting police representatives this week to find out how useful police would find it in detecting uninsured drivers.
The ABI estimates 5% of drivers are uninsured, costing insurers millions of pounds a year. Through increased domestic enforcement the database would also help to reduce about 6,000 attempted claims by foreigners each year against uninsured UK truck drivers.
Truck and car fleets will not be covered by the ABI scheme as insurers believe they are generally better insured. However, European Commission plans are expected to compel member states to introduce national databases covering all vehicles. This would allow crash victims to trace drivers more easily.