An in-depth study outlining the problem of uninsured driving on Maltese roads

Abstract

The dissertation aims to examine the current situation of uninsured driving on Maltese roads. It seeks to establish whether the problem does exist, whether this is on the increase and to what extent it is of concern. The intention was to investigate the financial cost and burden on the victim, the driver and on the insurance industry itself. To strengthen the study, the key stakeholders, mainly the insurance providers, law enforcers, government authorities, Motor Insurer's Bureau and the general public were consulted. Their perspectives and views were analysed so as to draw conclusions and recommendations. Using available data, purposely designed questionnaires administered to a sample of to the general public, and interviews conducted with the main stakeholders, various findings were gathered. One concern which emerged is the fact that, although a general awareness of the problem of uninsured driving prevails, people are unaware of its serious consequences. One of the main recommendations of this study is the suggestion to carry out intensive educational campaigns in this respect, as this will be beneficial to society at large. The main limitations to the study were that data is not as yet being collected about claims settled by the insurance companies and by the Motor Insurer's Bureau where uninsured driving cases are concerned, as well as the number of those found guilty of driving uninsured. Thus, the financial cost of uninsured driving and the burden on the victim could not be established. In essence, from this dissertation it was found that if there is more liaison between the main stakeholders, and if more research is conducted, the profile of the typical uninsured driver could be better established.