Christmas Convenience Risks Millions of Uninsured Drivers Getting Behind the Wheel
Festive period sees drivers at higher risk of hefty fines, penalty points and criminal prosecution
Last updated: 03/12/2025
Last updated: 03/12/2025
More than eight million* uninsured motorists could get behind the wheel this festive season, according to new research released by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover.
The study reveals a startling one in five motorists (21%) admit they are likely to drive a friend or family member's car without the proper insurance during the Christmas and New Year period.
It seems that this uninsured illegal driving is not driven by malice but by the pursuit of ease and in-the-moment pressures, amplified by family gatherings, logistics and dangerous misconceptions.
Amongst the common reasons cited by those risking uninsured driving this Christmas season are: moving someone else’s car that is blocking their own on a driveway (33%), having to drive a friend or family member’s car because they had too much to drink (33%), or to make a short journey or run a quick errand (19%).
Driving without insurance - even for a few feet - results in an automatic minimum fine of £300 and 6 penalty points. If prosecuted in court, the fine is unlimited, and the driver can face disqualification. If an accident occurs while uninsured, the responsibility for the third-party costs falls entirely on the driver, which can cause immense, lasting financial hardship.
The data also shows that drivers often rationalise the uninsured risk or rely on dangerous misconceptions about their insurance cover.
When asked why they wouldn’t take out insurance to drive a friend or family member’s car and take the risk to get behind the wheel uninsured, a quarter (26%) believe driving uninsured is better than the alternative such as letting someone who’s had a drink get behind the wheel. 37% of drivers who are likely to drive uninsured believe their own policy should automatically cover them to drive other people’s cars, despite this benefit now being rare on standard comprehensive policies.
One in five (20%) assume that if it’s for a short period of time, the risk of being caught or getting into an accident would be low.
For some, the decision is purely based on perceived difficulty and an awareness gap, with drivers stating that 'taking out insurance for a short time is too much hassle' (20%) and that it’s impossible to take out insurance for just one journey (17%). Half (48%) didn’t consider taking out temporary car insurance, as 47% of them didn’t even know it was an option.
The research revealed the issue of uninsured driving occurs against a backdrop of wider risks during the festive period, and the danger of penalties becomes even more heightened if combined with alcohol consumption.
Worryingly, amongst those who expect to drive another person's car uninsured this Christmas, 49% say it is likely to be after having an alcoholic drink. If a driver is caught doing both and is found to be over the legal limit, they face mandatory prosecution for drink driving, guaranteeing a criminal conviction and disqualification, in addition to the penalties for driving uninsured.
Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover says: “The festive season can bring unique pressures but even with good intent, those moments of convenience cannot override the law.
It’s crucial to remember that legal cover does not permit drink driving; this is a separate criminal offence that risks lives and carries severe penalties. However, when it comes to borrowing a car legally for a short term period - there is a solution.
By taking just a few minutes, you can secure legal cover, protecting yourself and other road users. We offer instant, fully comprehensive temporary cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, for as little as an hour, so you can focus on the festive celebration and help with Christmas convenience the legal way.”
