Top 10 uninsured driving hotspots revealed and Birmingham postcodes dominate the list

Birmingham is the region with the most uninsured driving, according to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

The MIB, which pays out claims for victims of uninsured driving and hit-and-run crashes, estimates 300,000 motorists take to UK roads every day without cover.

The West Midlands accounts for six of the top 10 uninsured driving hotspots.   

The MIB figures have ranked regions based on how many claims for uninsured driving were made, adjusted for the population of the postcode, between 26 October 2022 and 25 October 2024.

The area with the highest number of claims made against uninsured drivers was Croydon, in London, but due to the region’s dense population it only ranked 176th on the hotspot list. 

Today the MIB and police forces have launched ‘Operation Drive Insured’ to crack down on motorists without cover.

So far this year around 115,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicle seized.

However, the MIB estimates that there are an average of 300,000 uninsured vehicles on UK roads every single day.

Many uninsured cars are linked to organised crime, thievery or drink or drug driving.

More drivers are also taking to the roads without cover due to high car insurance premiums, the MIB warns. 

Uninsured driving also has a huge economic impact. 

The MIB estimates the injuries caused by uninsured and hit-and-run drivers cost the economy nearly £2.4 billion a year in emergency services, medical care, loss of productivity and human costs.

Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier said: ‘We know uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal and “fail to stop” collisions, and there is also a strong link between uninsured driving and other criminal offences.’

Martin Saunders, head of enforcement at the MIB, said: ‘We’re working closely with the police the length and breadth of the UK to ensure that these dangerous vehicles are identified and removed from our roads.’

Penalties for uninsured driving 

Uninsured drivers receive a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.

If stopped by police, their vehicle may be seized, with a third of these going on to be crushed. 

If an uninsured driver ends up in court, they could also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban.