According to the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), 6% of Ireland’s motorists are driving uninsured

The MIBI reported last year that up to 6% of Irish people drive uninsured, resulting in each of Ireland’s 2 million compliant drivers paying €30 more on their policies. Furthermore, the Irish Brokers Association has criticised the current punishments in place and urges the Government to confiscate the cars of drivers without insurance. Such motor insurance offences can be punished with a fine of up to €2,500, disqualification from being able to drive and, in rare cases, imprisonment for up to six months.

In 2010, 2,286 claims were made by the MIBI in 2010 totalling €58.9 million in compensation, legal and medical costs caused by uninsured drivers. Whilst the 2011 figures have not yet been released, it is unlikely that a reduction in the volume of claims or cost will be seen. If this trend continues, insurers will have to contribute more to the MIBI with drivers who pay annually for their insurance paying even more.