Insurance

Driving without insurance is a serious offence which can result in an immediate disqualification from driving. A driving ban can often be in the region of 28 days but can also be substantially longer for repeat offences. For first offences, the Court would normally impose between 6 and 8 penalty points, but no ban. There will also be a fine which will vary depending on the circumstances and whether the Defendant was using the vehicle themselves or permitting another person to use the vehicle.

The Road Traffic Act states that any person who uses or permits a vehicle to be used on “a road or other public place” must have the minimum of third party insurance cover.

You do not have to have insurance if the private land is an area to which the public do not have access. However, you would need insurance if the vehicle is on private land to which the public do have access. This can include “private” car parks, campsites, private estates etc. The term “public place” is far more wide ranging than most people appreciate.

Whilst your policy would be valid if you drive as a visitor, if you are registered in the UK or your vehicle has been in the United Kingdom for 6 months, it has to be registered with the DVLA. Your failure to register the vehicle would invalidate your insurance policy.

Speak to your insurers or alternatively, you can check whether your vehicle is on the Motor Insurance Database online: