No Insurance Offence (IN10): Penalties, Defences, and What to Do Next

Driving a vehicle on a road without a valid policy of insurance is an offence under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA 1988). It is a strict liability offence: the prosecution does not need to prove you knew you were uninsured. The penalty is 6 to 8 penalty points, a fine (unlimited in theory; in practice often several hundred pounds), and discretionary disqualification. The police can seize the vehicle. Defences are limited but include "reasonable belief" that insurance was in place and "special reasons" that can allow the court to avoid imposing points.

This guide explains the no insurance offence (IN10), penalties, the reasonable belief defence, special reasons, and what to do if you are charged.

What Does Section 143 Require?

Section 143 RTA 1988 makes it an offence to use, cause, or permit another to use a motor vehicle on a road without a policy of insurance that complies with the Road Traffic Act. You commit the offence if you drive without such insurance. It is no defence that you thought you were insured if you were not – unless you can show a "reasonable belief" that insurance was in force (see below). The registered keeper can also be prosecuted for "permitting" use without insurance if they allowed someone to drive without checking.

What Are the Penalties?

The endorsement code is IN10. The court must impose 6 to 8 points (or disqualify). There is no fixed penalty for no insurance; the case goes to court. The fine is based on your income. For [totting up](/blog/totting-up-12-points-driving-ban-2026), 6 or 8 points can push you toward 12 points and a ban. New drivers (under two years) face revocation at 6 points. The court can also impose a short ban instead of points.

What Is the Reasonable Belief Defence?

If you genuinely believed the vehicle was insured and that belief was reasonable, you may have a defence. For example, you had renewed the policy and had a confirmation email, but the insurer had cancelled it without your knowledge; or you were driving a employer’s vehicle in the belief the employer had insurance covering you. The court will consider whether a reasonable person in your position would have believed they were insured. Mistake alone is not enough – the belief must be reasonable and you may need evidence (e.g. policy documents, correspondence).

What Are Special Reasons?

"Special reasons" are circumstances that allow the court to impose no points (or fewer points) even though the offence is made out. They must be connected to the offence, not to you personally. For no insurance, examples might include driving a very short distance in an emergency after discovering the policy had just lapsed, or where the insurer made an administrative error that you could not have known about. The bar is high. You need to present evidence and the court must be satisfied that it would be unjust to impose the full penalty. Legal advice is recommended.

Can the Police Seize My Vehicle?

Yes. Under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Police Reform Act 2002, the police can seize a vehicle that is being driven without insurance. You will need to produce insurance (or arrange it) and pay recovery and storage fees to get the vehicle back. If you do not recover it within a set period, it can be disposed of.

What Should I Do If I Am Charged?

You will receive a Single Justice Procedure notice or summons. Do not ignore it. If you have a defence (e.g. reasonable belief), plead not guilty and prepare your evidence. If you intend to argue special reasons, you may still plead guilty but ask the court to find special reasons so that no (or fewer) points are imposed. A motoring solicitor can help you present your case. If you already have points, 6 or 8 more can lead to a ban. For the points threshold and ban risk, see [totting up and 12 points](/blog/totting-up-12-points-driving-ban-2026).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is no insurance strict liability?

Yes. The prosecution does not need to prove you knew you were uninsured. You can still argue reasonable belief or special reasons to reduce or avoid points.

How long does IN10 stay on my licence?

Points stay on your licence for four years from the date of the offence. The IN10 endorsement will show for four years and can affect insurance premiums for longer.

Can I get a short ban instead of points?

The court can impose a discretionary disqualification instead of points. The length is at the court’s discretion. You cannot choose; the court decides based on the guidelines.

What if my insurer cancelled my policy without telling me?

If you can prove you had no reason to know the policy was cancelled (e.g. you had a renewal confirmation), you may be able to argue reasonable belief. Gather all correspondence and policy documents and consider legal advice.

Does IN10 affect my insurance?

Yes. An IN10 endorsement stays on your licence for four years and insurers will load premiums, often significantly. Declare it when asked; non-disclosure can invalidate your policy.

Can I drive someone else's car on my insurance and still get IN10?

If you were driving without valid insurance (e.g. your policy did not cover that vehicle), you can be convicted of the no-insurance offence. "Driving other cars" cover varies by policy; if in doubt, check before you drive.

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