Motorists are being cautioned about a common bank holiday mistake that could result in £300 fines and six penalty points. With millions expected to hit the road this long weekend, experts are urging drivers to verify who is insured before sharing driving responsibilities.
New research from temporary car insurance provider Dayinsure reveals that 36% of drivers typically travel longer distances over bank holiday weekends. Journeys are expected to surge as families and friends reunite across the country. With roads predicted to be heavily congested and journey times stretched, fatigue is emerging as a major concern.
An overwhelming 92% of drivers say longer distances make them feel more tired, while 87% believe driving while fatigued is as dangerous as drunk driving. Consequently, many motorists are likely to share driving duties on longer trips. However, this practice introduces serious risks if insurance cover is not properly checked.
The study found that more than half of Brits (51%) mistakenly believe that fully comprehensive car insurance automatically allows them to drive other people's cars. Additionally, one in five (21%) admit they would drive a friend or family member's car without first checking if they are insured.
Experts warn that the combination of longer journeys, tiredness, and assumptions about cover could leave thousands of drivers unintentionally uninsured this bank holiday. In the UK, driving without valid insurance carries severe consequences: an instant £300 fixed penalty and six points on a licence. Drivers involved in an accident could also face costly repair bills for their own and other vehicles if they are at fault and uninsured.
Compounding the issue, 15% of Brits have delayed renewing or taking out car insurance due to the cost of living, while 16% would consider driving without insurance because it feels too expensive. With fuel prices remaining high, drivers may be more likely to cut corners on one-off or shared journeys.
Chris Bibby, CEO of Dayinsure, commented: "Spring is a peak time for long-distance journeys, and this year looks set to be especially busy. Longer drives and heavier traffic can quickly lead to fatigue, and that's often when people decide to swap drivers without thinking through the insurance implications. There's a widespread misunderstanding that fully comprehensive cover means you can drive any car, which isn't always the case. If you're planning a road trip this bank holiday, one simple check could save drivers from significant cost, penalty points, and unnecessary stress."
