Summoned for no insurance, what's the penalty??

Heleboo

Hi everyone...

I was stopped on 7th of March at a checkpoint, in a car I had only recently put on the road.

I had only the nct disc in the window, and told the guard I had no tax, but had insurance. As far as I had been aware, my insurance was valid until 10th of March, and had lined up a new insurance company.
I was fined for tax, and let on my way.

Today I got a summons by registered post, for no insurance. I was shocked, and dug out the old policy, only to find out my insurance had actually expired on the 1st of March, so true enough when stopped I wasn't covered.

This was a total oversight, I had a friend who was sick and my little boy was also ill around the time, I had called my insurers way back at the start of Feb to say I was going elsewhere, due to a far more competitive quote and deposit scheme, I really didn't look at the date too well...obviously.

My question is, what will happen when I go to court? Will I be banned from driving? I have no idea of the norm, I don't even think I know anyone who has driven with no insurance.

Very terrified here, I work a half hour drive away, I've never been in trouble for anything before.

Lando Griffin

insurance companys ALWAYS notify you just before you have to renew your insurance. Judge wont take it too lightly and possible ban and or large fine and 5 points. Be prepared for the torrent of abuse from other posters and oh yea dont forget your telly licence.

Our man in Havana

A ban is almost inevitable. See a solicitor asap.

Heleboo

They did, at the end of January, I spent a week or so getting quotes and ringing the insurance company back, and when I got best quote I told the insurers I would be going elsewhere, and arranged for the other policy to kick in as of the 10th of March.

It really was an oversight, I get paid monthly, on 22nd, so there was no reason for me to hold off paying. I wouldn't dream of knowingly driving without insurance, having been in an accident (other party fault) I know just how important it is.

Oh I have a TV license! I'm a good girl, just scatty

Heleboo

Haddockman wrote: »

A ban is almost inevitable. See a solicitor asap.

Even though it was a lapse of a few days?

Jo King

This story does not ring true.When a motorist is stopped the guard will ask the motorist to nominate a station at which the motorist will produce insurance within 10 days. If insurance is not produced then a summons issues. These case are heard in the District Court and a lot depends on the judge. the ability of the defending solicitor or barrister can make a lot of difference as well.

cats.life

yes it was an over site but jesus would you let a child go on a bike without no helmet for protection?

Heleboo

Jo King wrote: »

This story does not ring true.When a motorist is stopped the guard will ask the motorist to nominate a station at which the motorist will produce insurance within 10 days. If insurance is not produced then a summons issues. These case are heard in the District Court and a lot depends on the judge. the ability of the defending solicitor or barrister can make a lot of difference as well.

He really didn't, of course I would have produced or at least realised my mistake four months ago when it happened. All he said was pull over and we'll take details, the first thing I said to him was the car was not taxed. There was no talk of producing at all.

I have no reason to lie on here! I have never been in trouble for anything else, never so much as a ticking off from a guard.

Oh and yes, it was an oversight, if one thought ones child had a helmet on, then one would not be guilty of allowing a child to cycle a bike unprotected - I did not know I was uninsured at the time.

Suppose all I can hope is that they will see it was a nine day lapse, not a random driving around with no insurance for the laugh

twowheelsonly

I'm pretty sure that it's 5 penalty points and either a 1 or 2 year mandatory driving ban. Not 100% sure what discretion the judge has on the ban but once proven then you're guaranteed the 5 points.

Excuses are all well and good but the judge hears them every day.

Saruman

Total oversight? Sorry that makes no sense. You don't buy a car, start driving it and only think to check you are insured after you have been stopped by a Garda and got a summons. You arrange your insurance to be transferred to the new car immediately as soon as you get it. Had you done the obvious, you would have found out it had lapsed and you could have renewed it. No issue then.

behan29

i am in a similar situation to yourself, expect to be put off the road and fine etc, ive spoken to my solicitor recently and he said ,expect the 2 year ban and fine, you can appeal and have a higher chance of getting off without ban, expect cost raning up to 1500 euro, hope you have a dog licence!!!

User Friendly

cats.life wrote: »

yes it was an over site but jesus would you let a child go on a bike without no helmet for protection?

cannot for the life of me see how these two situations are related.a helmet protects you and insurance is just paperwork.necessary paperwork,i know.:)

anyway op expect a ban with a fine. gl

Heleboo

Thanks for comments. I asked a friend, a legal friend, who said considering the fact I only lapsed for 9 days and circumstances i.e work, lone parent, no convictions, I may just get a fine, however time will tell, I will get a solicitor.

Oh I didn't just buy the car, I had the car for ages and ages, it was on my policy for a few months, was bought with damage as a project car, I really am not an irresponsible person.

Anyway, thanks all, I have until September to stew it out

MagicSean

You should really consult a solicitor who has long term experience with the court you are going to. They will know the judge in question and know the best way to mitigate the penalty.

BehindTheScenes

I was in the District Court the other day with my brother who forgot to pay a ticket. Heard a woman with a story similar to this. She was given a ban for two years and fined €700.

Jo King

Judges vary a lot. I know a man who got a €50 fine. No ban. O/P did you have an insurance broker?

Farcear

No tax *or* insurance?

Jo King

No insurance!