The number of uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads has halved since the introduction of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), according to recent research from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).
Figures from the MIBI revealed that in 2024 there were 101,881 uninsured vehicles being driven on Irish roads. In 2022, this figure was 187,000 (four times higher than the EU average) and the new research suggests an almost 50% drop in that number.
This is a significant reduction in the percentage of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads, dropping from one in every 12 in 2022 to one in every 25 in 2024. The introduction of the IMID has played a crucial role in this improvement by helping Gardaí to more easily identify uninsured drivers.
The MIBI estimates that uninsured drivers add approximately €30-€35 to the cost of every motor insurance policy in Ireland.
The IMID was introduced in 2024 and consolidates detailed insurance policy data including vehicle registration numbers, driver numbers, policy holder details and named driver information into a single database. This information is shared with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport to help identify uninsured vehicles.
David Fitzgerald, CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), commented, “It is very encouraging to see the impact that the new detection system is already having on the number of private uninsured vehicles on our roads. Following its introduction the number of uninsured private vehicles has practically halved, which is good news for all road users and anyone concerned about Irish road safety.“
Last year alone, Gardaí used the database to seize 18,676 uninsured vehicles and issue 26,094 summonses and charges. The IMID is updated daily so that Gardaí have accurate data to carry out checks and ensure drivers are in compliance with motor insurance laws.
Since its introduction, the Irish Motor Insurance Database has proven to be highly effective in the fight against uninsured driving, leading to safer roads and better insurance compliance.
John Kennedy, Managing Director for KennCo Insurance, said, “The new figures from the MIBI showing the halving of uninsured drivers on Irish roads is a huge achievement in road safety. The IMID has proven to be an effective way to boost compliance and ensure that drivers are properly insured. At KennCo, we will continue to fully support any and all efforts to make our roads safer, and we urge all motorists to ensure they are properly covered.“
The reduction in uninsured vehicles is a major step forward in improving road safety in Ireland.
As the MIBI and An Garda Síochána continue working to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles and protect all road users, KennCo Insurance is committed to supporting these initiatives and urge all motorists to ensure they are properly insured to contribute to safer roads.