Carlow has second-highest number of uninsured drivers
99% increase in uninsured drivers in Carlow
THE CARLOW and Kilkenny area was among the worst garda districts in the country, recording a 98.9% increase in the number of motorists caught driving without insurance between 2023 and 2024.
In light of these figures, Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for the immediate implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform promised in the Programme for Government.
Galway was the worst garda districts in the country, recording a 199% increase in the number of drivers caught driving without insurance between 2023 and 2024. Carlow and Kilkenny followed closely behind with a 98.9% increase.
Garda figures show that between 2023 and 2024 there were significant increases in the number of vehicles detained by gardaí across every county under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 “from a driver without an approved policy of insurance”.
Ms Ní Mhurchú said high car insurance premiums may be the reason for the spike in motorists driving without insurance.
“It appears likely there is a correlation between the excessive cost of car insurance in Ireland and the spike in motorists driving without insurance. That in no way justifies a motorist driving without insurance and uninsured drivers involved in accidents only serves to further increase the average cost of premiums. The cost of car insurance has risen by over 11% in a year, according to CSO figures, well above and beyond the level of inflation.” Ms Ní Mhurchú has vowed to raise the issue at the EU Transport Committee and will lobby her colleagues in government to implement the Action Plan for Insurance Reform promised in the Programme for Government.
