We’ve all encountered consumers who look to cut a corner or two when taking out insurance policies – failing to disclose vital information that could ultimately jeopardise any claim they wish to make. However, now it appears they’re actually going one step further in many cases – and putting both themselves and other road users at risk.
That’s because a new analysis by Direct Line car insurance has found that of the 35.3 million licence holders in England and Wales, 3.4 million have not disclosed notifiable medical conditions to the DVLA. Those who don’t confess to a medical condition could face fines up to £1,000 and prosecution if they are involved in an accident.
According to the survey, around 51% did not think their condition affected their driving ability; while 14% didn’t realise they had to inform the DVLA of their problem. Meanwhile 5% just didn’t see the point in declaring it and 4% had never thought of it. Five per cent, meanwhile, did not declare a medical condition for fear they would have their licence taken away.
However, it appears that those who are staying quiet are generally getting away with their silence – the insurer reports that last year only 64 motorists were found guilty and sentenced in court for offences related to non-disclosure of medical issues.
“With some medical conditions having more of an impact on driving ability than being over the drink-drive limit, it’s frightening that almost one in 10 motorists drives with a notifiable medical condition they have not reported to the DVLA,” commented Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line. “It’s clear that there’s no deterrent for those flouting the law in this way, as shown by the small amount of people convicted.”
Over 8.8 million motorists (25%) in England and Wales have a health condition with the most common being a heart condition (9%).
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