Recent research has shown that one in five motorists are still driving without car insurance cover on their vehicles.

This indicates that a large proportion of car drivers are driving illegally and if they become involved in an accident, the cost of legal driver’s insurance policies is very likely to increase.

The survey by a leading price comparison site found around one in ten motorists have disregarded the law and driven their own car without insurance, while eight per cent of motorists admit to getting behind the wheel of someone else's car when they are not adequately insured.

Andy Leadbetter, the managing director of insurance at the website, said: "It is a shame to see so many of us have taken to the roads when uninsured to drive and this year's results reveal a worrying trend. In 2008 we found 15 per cent of motorists admitting to the offence, so 2009 has seen an unfortunate increase.

Gender gap

With regards to gender, male drivers were found to be more likely of breaking the law and driving whilst uninsured. Twenty-five per cent of male drivers admitted to taking such a risk, compared to 16 per cent of female drivers. The poll also revealed that younger drivers are the worst culprits; over two fifths of drivers in their twenties say that they have driven without cover, compared to just seven per cent of those in their sixties.

Mr Leadbetter also added: "Driving without insurance, no matter how far the distance, is against the law. Anyone caught doing so could face hefty penalties which include a £200 on the spot fine and six points on their licence. There's also the possibility of the car being impounded - involving a £150 collection charge and £20 per day charged for storage. If Brits are forgoing their motor insurance for cost reasons it clearly is a false economy."

Non-insurance hotspots highlighted

Research from the survey also exposed motorists in the south as being the most likely to drive when they are uninsured. More than a quarter (26 per cent) in London and the South-West, admitted to the offence. Drivers in East Anglia follow closely behind with 24 per cent, driving uninsured.

Mr Leadbetter continued: "On top of the obvious dangers associated with driving without insurance, uninsured motorists cost the industry £500 million each year in claims, and cause the cost of cover to rise by £30 for more responsible motorists. The cost of running, and insuring, a car can be expensive - especially for younger drivers - however it is quicker and easier than ever to find a cheap motor insurance quote. By using a price comparison site to review multiple policies at once and compare deals, the majority of motorists will have no difficulty in finding an insurance premium that is great value for money.

He concluded: "Motor insurance is required by law and although times are tough there is no reason for motorists to consider cutting corners when it comes to something so important. By covering yourself to drive a car, you are not only protecting yourself in the event of an accident, theft or damage, but you are safeguarding yourself against other less cautious motorists as well."