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Motorists ignoring the mobile ban now face higher premiums

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21/03/2007

The new stricter laws on the use of a mobile phone while driving might have an expensive knock on affect for those who are caught, for not only will they face a £60 fine, they could also see a rise in their insurance premium.  This is the warning from leading insurance specialist, Admiral.

Police forces around the UK have started a blitz on motorists who continue using their phone while behind the wheel.  Those caught doing so not only have to pay a fine, they also get three points on their driving licence.  Research from Admiral shows this could mean a hike in insurance premium of up to £100 a year for those caught.

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said, “Whenever you receive a motoring conviction, no matter what for, you must let your insurance company know.  In many cases this will mean a higher premium at the time of your renewal because evidence shows that people with any kind of motoring conviction are a higher risk.

“Although it's early days with the new mobile phones laws, anyone caught should be aware they will face the cost of the fine and the higher premiums.  We want motorists to think, is it worth it before they decide to use their phone illegally when they are driving.”

An example of the possible costs is below.  A 28 year old married, male, Accountant, living in East Sussex, driving a 2003 Vauxhall Astra would pay around £245 for insurance.  But once he has a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving, the three points will cause his premium to rise by 19% to £292.  If he already has a conviction for speeding, the six points on his licence will hike his premium up by 42% to around £349.

Admiral's own research from its Annual Survey of over 1,000 motorists found that 33% of them still use their mobile phones illegally while driving, down from 37% the previous year.  The problem is more common among men, with 36% of them saying they break the law, compared with 30% of women.  However overall 91% of motorists do agree with the ban.

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