uk car insurance quote

Having car insurance is an absolute must for all motorists on UK roads. But why is this the case? Well, the short answer is that it is a legal requirement to have at least third party cover. Then why is it a legal requirement? That's where the long answer comes in.

First and foremost, UK road users need to have a basic level of insurance to indemnify third parties. This has been law since 1930, and was updated in the Road Traffic Act 1988. The law provides that you must have some kind of insurance or protection against their liability to third parties (which could mean other road users or pedestrians) in the event that personal injury is inflicted upon them, or that their property is damaged, as a result of your use of the road. In simple terms, other people deserve to be protected against any fallout that may result from your use of a vehicle. Being insured will protect unwitting parties therefore against costs incurred due to injury, damage to their vehicle, and legal costs.

Consider the position where you accidentally drive into another car, but have no insurance. You may not be able to afford to cover damage to the other driver's car, or medical bills incurred due to injury inflicted. Any resultant legal costs may also be substantial. But surely it's not fair that the driver who isn't at fault foots the bill?