Big win for UK motorists as Boris scraps costly EU insurance law
Vnuk Law Would Have Hit Brits with Massive Insurance Hikes
The controversial Vnuk law aimed to force insurance on a whole range of vehicles, far beyond just cars and motorbikes. That includes golf buggies, mobility scooters, quad bikes — even ride-on lawnmowers used on private land. Previously, these didn’t need insurance.
Had this EU rule come into force in Great Britain, the insurance industry would have faced nearly £2 billion in extra costs. Naturally, drivers and vehicle owners would have footed the bill through soaring premiums.
Brexit Saves Drivers from Sky-High Premiums
Thanks to Brexit, the UK is no longer bound to implement this EU directive. That means drivers nationwide dodge hefty insurance hikes. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“We have always disagreed with this over-the-top law that would only do one thing – hit the pockets of hard-working people up and down the country with an unnecessary hike in their car insurance. I am delighted to announce that we no longer need to implement it.”
“Scrapping this rule would save the country billions of pounds and is part of a new and prosperous future for the UK outside the EU – a future in which we set our own rules and regulations.”
UK Motorsports Industry Saved from Financial Ruin
The Vnuk law would have also battered the UK’s world-class motorsports sector. Under the EU rules, any crash involving motorsport vehicles—go-karts to Formula 1 cars—would have counted as regular road incidents requiring insurance. This could have added roughly £458 million a year in insurance costs, threatening the survival of an industry that employs hundreds of thousands across the country.
UK Reclaims Control Post-Brexit
The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, with the transition period ending 31 December 2020. Since then, Britain has regained control over laws like these, allowing it to protect motorists and vital industries from unnecessary regulation.
