Tougher penalties for car insurance cheats

People who drive without car insurance should face tougher penalties, according to the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA).

BIBA research found that the vast majority (96 per cent) of its members wanted to see car insurance dodgers deterred by harsher punishments.

Half said uninsured drivers should have their cars seized while a further 28 per cent wanted to see offending motorists jailed.

"Our members see the effects of uninsured driving on their clients everyday," said Graeme Trudgill, technical services manager at BIBA.

"Not only do uninsured drivers add an estimated £30 to every motor policy premium of honest motorists, but they pose a threat to our road safety that is not acceptable."

The government is currently looking at new measures to identify and punish people who drive without insurance.