As thousands of UK motorists try to cut costs by evading car insurance, they are passing the costs to law abiding drivers and making the country lose millions of pounds, insurance provider RIAS has warned.

RIAS dismissed the device as a false economy which could also fetch erring motorists a criminal record.

Money lost to car insurance dodgers totals up to £500 million annually and this increases the premiums of motorists taking out the cover by about £30 a year, said Motor Insurers Bureau.

RIAS managing director reiterated the fact that driving without insurance is both illegal and ill-advised, adding that people worried about the cost of their insurance should talk to their insurer to find out other ways of cutting down costs.

She also advised customers to make sure they ask about discounts and how to make flexible payments.

Rise in fuel prices and general costs of car maintenance have been forcing motorists to device different means of survival.

Many people have taken to biking, while many have joined car rental clubs so as to beat the crunch.