Driving without insurance (but unaware)

[cube2135]

Basically my policy for my insurance lapsed at newal and I as totally unaware of this (not the standard trying to get out of paying insurance thing). At the time I was sitting exams and a few resits at university (away from home).
I got stopped by the police as they saw me come out of a pub and they followed me for a bit. Not knowing the road system I wasnt exactly driving well so was stopped and breathised (found clean as I dont drink and drive) but they said that my car was showing that it didnt have insurance and I was given a caution and asked to display my insurance documents at my local station within 7 days.

Now I have a document from the lapsed policy but it isnt a certificate of insurance (all other documents are fine). Now as soon as I was stopped, the next day I phoned up my insurers to find out what was going on, which is when I found out it had lapsed and I was driving out with no insurance, so I got the car reinsured (but with a different policy (lower premium).

I was wondering what could end up happening. I have all the proof that I have been previously insured ever since I was on the road, except for the last 4 months (policy lapsed in july). All other documents are fine, just the insurance.

I am not trying to wiggle my way out of a fine or punishment as I realise that driving around uninsured is a seriously bad thing to do, but this was very unintentional, it isnt like I dont have the funds to keep my car insured (I can prove that I do). But I was wondering if there is a chance I would get a lesser than max fine. I'm still a student living away from home.

[cube2135]

Thanks JudgeJ that's the kinda answer I was looking for, you seem to know your stuff. D-Day is tomorrow so I'll post what happens, thanks for all the answers guys.

[cube2135]

Thanks JudgeJ, I'll post what happens tomorrow as I have to go in then.

[Dileesa]

Hi I would like to know some information as I�m in a similar situation to cube2135. I was stopped for a random police check and by that time I didn�t have insurance. It was a genuine mistake, as I was in the process of changing my insurance company and also I haven�t received any documents from my insurance company about renewing the insurance. I was without insurance for 18 days hasn�t been driving till the day I was stopped, that�s when I found out I hadn�t got any insurance. I would like to know whether I will be banned from driving, or how many points I will be getting. If I were to get 6 points will I be able to do the driving test straight after n get license back (I have only been driving for a 1 year). And also is it better to appear on the court or does the court give credit for not wasting court time if I didn�t appear for the hearing.

[cube2135]

hey Dileesa. Basically I had to write in my defense due to having an exam on the same day (shame really).

End result was that I got 6 points and 250 pound fine (standard). I was also within the 2 year new-driver thing so had my license revoked (this doesnt mean a ban). You can retake your test straight away.

Because you havent been uninsured for long you might be okay but go into court and pled your case, they're much more easier on you (especially if you dress smart and show them you arent a yob trying to get out of paying insurance).

Otherwise best of luck to you, I know how stressful the whole affair can be.

[lilmannan]

awarre or unaware the law is tthe law
i unserstand you may have not know but the law at the moment stands
�5000maximun fine,
driving ban Discretionary,
6-8 penalty point.
seek some free legal advice from
http://www.drivingban.co.uk/drivingban/free_le gal_advice_help/driving_ban_lawyers.htm