{"id":3379,"date":"2026-05-25T07:33:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/young-drivers-could-face-5000-fines-if-they-dont-check-this\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T07:33:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:33:03","slug":"young-drivers-could-face-5000-fines-if-they-dont-check-this","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/young-drivers-could-face-5000-fines-if-they-dont-check-this\/","title":{"rendered":"Young drivers could face \u00a35,000 fines if they don&#8217;t check this"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_1c1e1b\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The FCA is warning young drivers aged 17 to 25<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37180545\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Unlucky and fatigue driver stuck in a traffic jam, looking upset out of his car window\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180545.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Unlucky-and-fatigue-driver-stuck-in-a-traffic-jam-looking-upset-out-of-his-car-window.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180545.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Unlucky-and-fatigue-driver-stuck-in-a-traffic-jam-looking-upset-out-of-his-car-window.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180545.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Unlucky-and-fatigue-driver-stuck-in-a-traffic-jam-looking-upset-out-of-his-car-window.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180545.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Unlucky-and-fatigue-driver-stuck-in-a-traffic-jam-looking-upset-out-of-his-car-window.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Drivers across Britain may be unknowingly operating without valid insurance\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Drivers across Britain may be unknowingly operating without valid insurance<cite aria-label=\"Image: Bulat Silvia via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Bulat Silvia via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Young motorists are being cautioned that they could be hit with fines of up to \u00a35,000 if they&#8217;re not vigilant.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Drivers across Britain may be unknowingly operating without valid insurance after being caught out by a wave of fraudulent car insurance schemes spreading via social media and messaging platforms. The Financial Conduct Authority has sounded the alarm following fresh research revealing that nearly half of drivers aged between 17 and 25 have purchased insurance through sites like <a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/instagram\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Instagram<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/facebook\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Facebook<\/a>, Snapchat or <a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/whatsapp\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">WhatsApp<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The regulator warned that fraudsters, dubbed &#8216;ghost brokers&#8217;, are increasingly preying on financially stretched young drivers by offering seemingly legitimate bargain deals that ultimately leave victims unprotected.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37180546\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37180546\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nervous female driver sits at wheel, has worried expression as afraids to drive car by herself for first time. Frightened woman has car accident on road. People, driving, problems with transport\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180546.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Nervous-female-driver-sits-at-wheel-has-worried-expression-as-afraids-to-drive-car-by-herself-for-first-time-Frightened.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180546.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Nervous-female-driver-sits-at-wheel-has-worried-expression-as-afraids-to-drive-car-by-herself-for-first-time-Frightened.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180546.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Nervous-female-driver-sits-at-wheel-has-worried-expression-as-afraids-to-drive-car-by-herself-for-first-time-Frightened.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37180546.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Nervous-female-driver-sits-at-wheel-has-worried-expression-as-afraids-to-drive-car-by-herself-for-first-time-Frightened.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Young motorists are being cautioned\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Young motorists are being cautioned<cite aria-label=\"Image: stefanamer via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: stefanamer via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The research showed that 49 per cent of young motorists had bought insurance via social media or messaging services, while four in 10 confessed they lacked confidence in their ability to identify a fraudulent policy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The FCA cautioned that these dodgy brokers frequently masquerade as legitimate insurance providers and advertise premiums that appear significantly cheaper than those offered by established insurers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sometimes, the policies are completely fabricated. In other instances, the criminals tamper with genuine applications \u2013 altering details such as addresses, occupations or driving records \u2013 to reduce the premium before taking the money.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Cover may also be cancelled soon after being taken out, leaving the driver completely unaware. Victims may only realise they lack cover when pulled over by police or following a collision. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence in the UK and can result in fixed penalties, penalty points, vehicle confiscation and potentially a driving ban.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_9d2dcd\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\"><a target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37177667\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/money\/dwp-pip-claimants-able-backdate-37177667\" tabindex=\"0\">DWP PIP claimants may be able to backdate other benefits<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The FCA&#8217;s research also reveals how financial pressures are leaving younger drivers particularly susceptible to fraud. One in seven participants admitted struggling to accommodate insurance premiums within their monthly expenditure, while 45 per cent indicated they typically have confidence in products or services purchased via social media.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Graeme Reynolds, director of insurance at the FCA, stated: &#8220;Tight budgets make cheap offers tempting \u2013 and scammers take advantage of that. Don&#8217;t get ghosted by a policy that doesn&#8217;t exist. Check the FCA Firm Checker before you buy, because driving uninsured could cost you far more than any premium.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The alert arrives alongside evidence suggesting ghost broking is escalating rapidly. The Insurance Fraud Bureau reported a 52 per cent increase in ghost broking incidents between 2022 and 2024, while insurer Aviva documented a 22% spike in cases since 2023.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The FCA is now collaborating with social media influencers in a bid to alert younger motorists to the dangers. Drivers are being advised to remain sceptical of offers that seem &#8216;too good to be true&#8217;, particularly if they&#8217;re exclusively available through social media or messaging <a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/apps\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The regulator explained that legitimate insurance providers should possess a proper website, telephone number and business address. Motorists are also being urged to use the FCA&#8217;s Firm Checker tool to confirm a company is authorised and to verify the contact details correspond with those on the regulator&#8217;s register.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/lifestyle\/motoring\/young-drivers-could-face-5000-37180547\" target=\"_blank\">Source link<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The FCA is warning young drivers aged 17 to 25 Drivers across Britain may be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3380,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crime"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Unlucky-and-fatigue-driver-stuck-in-a-traffic-jam-looking-upset-out-of-his-car-window.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3379"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3379\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3379"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/login9ja.com\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}