Drivers in jeopardy at the wheel

Drivers who use their mobile phone at the wheel are not only putting lives at risk, they’re also jeopardising their future insurance status.

Dave Williams, said motorists caught using their phone while they were driving could receive a £200 penalty fine.

“Not only that, but anyone found using a hand-held phone at the wheel could see their insurance premium immediately increase by up to 40% when their policy is renewed, for up to five years.

“And they’re the lucky ones – ultimately insurers could refuse to provide cover at all, leaving the motorist with no way of driving legally after the offence.”

Mr Williams said the higher premiums would continue for up to five years, and including the fine, a mobile phone law breaker could expect the cost to be up to three times more than their previous premium, as well as receiving six penalty points.

“Insurers are taking an increasingly tough stance against motorists with mobile phone offences on their record, as they have recognised for a long time that anyone using a hand-held phone at the wheel is at real risk of being involved in a crash.

“Previously, using a mobile phone had the same penalty as a speeding fine – £100 and three penalty points, but even then, insurers still considered the mobile phone offender to be a greater risk.

“Some insurance companies do impose a small premium increase for your first speeding offence, but the majority won’t increase your premium at all if you attend a speed awareness course instead.

“But it’s different with mobile phone drivers – insurers see these motorists as a major risk and if you flout the rules, you’re just proving them right.”

  Dave Williams