Uninsured drivers up 33%

The number of drivers driving without insurance rose by a third over the past 12 months, research by moneysupermarket.com revealed this week.

One in five drivers are now increasingly driving without insurance, the study by price comparison site discovery.

This is compared to 15% of drivers who were on the road without insurance in 2008.

Male drivers are more likely to drive without any protection, the study showed that 23% of them, compared to 16% of women drivers.

Younger drivers were also exposed as more willing to take the risk of driving uninsured.

Almost two in five drivers in their 20s have driven without cover, compared to 7% in the sixties.

"How disappointing to see so many Brits are uninsured on the road - it is worrying that we see every fifth car is not covered," said Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com is the head of insurance.

Sweeney warned drivers that driving without coverage could cost them a license.

"Regardless of distance, driving without insurance is illegal," he said.

"Anyone caught can face tough sanctions, which include on-the-spot £ 200 fine and six points on their license.