Police seize 110,000 uninsured cars as drivers continue to ignore insurance rules

More than 100,000 uninsured vehicles were confiscated by the police in 2016, according to figures released today. 

The research from HPI, the vehicle history checking company, show that the number of cars seized was down on 2015, when 121,000 uninsured vehicles were seized, but indicate that the UK still has a large problem with uninsured drivers.

The cars seized in 2016 were mostly mainstream models, with the Ford Focus, Vauxhall’s Astra and Corsa, Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf making up the top five.

Among the thousands of vehicles taken by the authorities, there were a number of high value cars, including two Lamborghini Aventadors, worth in excess of £200,000 each, as well a Bentley Flying Spur and McLaren 12C worth £130,000 apiece.

Since 2005, the police have had the powers to seize vehicles that are uninsured and impound them until insurance is produced and fines are paid. If unclaimed, the cars are then scrapped or sold by the local force. 

HPI launched CrushWatch in 2009 to make it easier for the police to check vehicles prior to disposal, giving them the option of reuniting finance companies with their often very valuable assets. In 2016 CrushWatch saved more than £87 million of uninsured cars from being crushed or sold. 

Uninsured supercars confiscated by the police in 2016