Driving Without Insurance

[Scaryclarey]

I recently drove a company vehicle after being told by the company owner that I was insured to drive it. I reversed into another car and damaged it slightly. Turns out the insurance didn't cover me to drive. I own a car which is insured for 3rd party. I am now being prosecuted for driving without insurance - anyone know what the panalties for this would be?

[mrknowall]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_100 22425

6-8 POINTS

[mrknowall]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAn dNewDrivers/NewlyQualifiedDrivers/DG_4022566

[NORMANTHEDOG]

yes,without a link,you will get 6 pts,but i would ask for a court hearing and plead your case,thats if your boss is willing to go to court and say he thought you were insured,they might be leanient with you.

[flip-flop]

I wouldn't worry too much.

Section 143 of the Road Traffic States states;

"A person charged with using a motor vehicle in contravention of this section [this section being the third party liability section] shall not be convicted if he proves -
(a) the the vehicle did not belong to him and was not in his possession under a contract of hiring or of loan (b) that he was using the vehicle in the course of his employment, and (c) that he neither knew nor had reason to believe that there was not in force in relation to the vehicle such a policy of insurance...."

So - you have a defence that is specifically stated in the legislation.

[Scaryclarey]

Thanks for your help guys =]

[Scaryclarey]

Oh yes, i'm also being sued by the guy I ran in to - even though I was driving at maybe 1-2 mph and only scratched his bumper slightly he is claiming whiplash and aggravating an existing knee injury. Will he be able to successfully sue me?

[droopdrawers]

I am so pleased to find this thread tonight. I was driving my firms van a few months back I was stopped and checked.....and today find I am being taken to court as HE didn't have insurance.

I had no idea I could be done under my own insurance company either...

I need a to get a solicitor I do believe!!!!

DD

[Scaryclarey]

DD - horrible situation isn't it. I would never have driven that vehicle if I had known I wasn't insured and am now being sued and prosecuted because of someone else's stupidity.

[dusty1]

Unfortunately the moral of this story is to look at the other persons insurance, before you drive there vehicle, even if it is a firms vehicle. Im sure the proprieters would not mind.