Police see dramatic rise in uninsured drivers

Drivers without valid car insurance face a year off the roads and at least a £600 fine

There has been a "dramatic" rise in the number of people being prosecuted for driving without valid insurance, according to Guernsey Police.

Officers urged the public to ensure they had up-to-date and valid car insurance, as any driver found to be using a car without valid car insurance faces a year off the roads and at least a £600 fine.

Court data provided by the States of Guernsey shows there was a 330% increase in the number of insurance offences in traffic court when comparing October 2023 and October 2024.

Roads Policing Insp Thomas Marshall asked drivers to check their documents were valid as it took away the protection other road users had.

'Personal admin failure'

Mr Marshall said prosecuting drivers without insurance is not something the police want to be using resources for.

"We know it is 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.

"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.

"Please check it’s all in order, and if it’s not or you’re not sure, call your insurance company and find out."

'Undoubtedly very serious'

Police Court Insp Russell Johnson said eight people were due to appear in court next week for insurance related offences.

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

"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 ensure they had valid insurance to drive their vehicles and didn’t have to be brought before the courts."