Just been pulled.

There are no-win no-fee solicitors around Tim, most will at least give a free opinion/consultation even if they won't take the case (for instance if they don't think they'll win).

If as you say he's skint then it's worth trying for a little lost time. Cheaper than years and years of increased premiums.

surely if the insurance have admitted that its an admin error there end they would be the ones to blame and your son would be covered under there insurance protection, look into the insurance company and inform them you will make an official complaint to there insurance ombudsman about last of professionalism in covering a client. bet they will soon jump. I would also tell them they should put up the funds to pay for a solicitor as its there **** up not the company or your son but the insurance company themselves

[timwilky]

TBH, I think it is his boss that hasn't informed the insurance of a new driver. Although he says he did. Seems suspect that during the course of his interview in the back of a police car my son had gone from uninsured to insured.

I would be expecting his boss to stump up for legal representation to defend an prosecution. My son was driving in good faith that his employer had provided cover when he employed him as a delivery driver. As he employs a dozen other drivers, makes you wonder what their insurance status is like.

Best your kid finds out like that rather than if he had had a knock.

Still sucks mind you and yes I think his employer should ensure no bashlash is felt by your lad.

[TamSV]

As RH says, there's a statutory defence written into the legislation precisely for circumstances like this. He definitely shouldn't take the points.

If he can get the employer to pony up for the defence costs, instead of the fine he's already agreed to, that would seem a fair solution.

[Sir Trev]

My 250 got totalled by a blind Escort driver in that situation way back in the day. He had no way of knowing that his boss had not paid any of the insurance installments so my claim failed. My useless insurance company spent so long finding that out the company then went bust before I could sue any of the directors...

It's a real problem but I hope your lad comes out of it OK Tim.

[timwilky]

Son has just been sent a conditional offer, £200 and 6 points.

NFC. His boss says he will go with him to court, good get him in the witness box. "Did you inform the accused he was covered on the business policy to drive your vehicle?" "Yes!". End of (I hope)

Sounds steep until you realize that's the penalty for not paying an annual insurance premium, they seriously need to sort out the punishment to befit the crime.

I know your lad wasnt dodging the premium Tim so he's not covered by that little dig, but £200 is hardly a punishment for not having paid a premium 3 times that.

[yorkie_chris]

Hey mate, it might also be a sly tactic on the part of the coppers. A £1000 fine no fooker is going to pay unless they're bang guilty.
£200, someone might accept the points and save them the hassle of court?

I may have told you the tale before of the coppers trying to strong arm bullsh*t me into accepting the easy route for them even though I was completely innocent.

ahhh like the parking fine fiasco? ie your fine is £70 but pay within 14days and it will be half so folk pay it early as opposed to appealing Dirty!