Astras 'most-seized uninsured cars'

As many as 500 uninsured vehicles are seized every day, with Vauxhall Astras the cars removed from the road most frequently, figures showed today.

After Astras, the next most-seized vehicles are BMW 3 Series cars, according to figures based on roadside calls to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) police helpline.

The statistics come as a new online video warning of the consequences of driving without insurance is launched by the MIB, which compensates victims involved in accidents with drivers who have no insurance.

Police use the Motor Insurance Database to detect cars being driven without insurance.

The consequences for drivers taking to the road without insurance include vehicle seizure, a minimum of six licence penalty points, and a fixed fine of £200.

Drivers who have their cars seized will also be liable for £150 in recovery fees and still have to prove that they have insurance before they can get their vehicles back.

MIB chief executive Ashton West said: "Christmas is a time when household budgets are stretched to the limit and, for some, the renewal of insurance may be overlooked.

"Modern technology means that motorists who have no insurance are more likely than ever to be caught. It is simply not worth the risk."

He went on: "The proposed change in insurance law in 2011 will mean that the number of people caught without motor insurance will increase.

"We are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to introduce the continuous insurance enforcement scheme and expect to reduce the numbers of uninsured drivers on UK roads even further."

These were the 10 most seized uninsured cars in 2009 by vehicle make:

1. Vauxhall Astra

2. BMW 3 Series

3. Vauxhall Vectra

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. Ford Mondeo

7. Ford Fiesta

8. Ford Focus

9. Ford Escort

10. Renault Megane