Counting the cost of motoring convictions

Wednesday, 27th February, 2013

Confused.com reveals the top ten motoring convictions that could cost UK drivers hundreds of pounds each year

·        A speeding conviction could add over £200 to a premium¹

·        Car insurance premiums could rise by 131% if caught driving without insurance²

·        Driving with defective tyres could cost motorists £400 in increased car insurance premiums₃

New research released today by Confused.com reveals the top ten motoring convictions that have taken place on UK roads. Topping the list of convictions is alcohol, speeding and mobile phone-related driving offences causing drivers to feel the pinch in their pockets when it comes to their motor insurance premiums.

Nearly half of customers (49%) with driving convictions who obtained a quote from Confused.com had been caught speeding. These speeding offences were the most common driving convictions amongst customers (452,820)⁴.

This was followed by motorists caught driving with hand-held devices (90,761) 10%, while alcohol related motoring convictions contributed to 5% (42,804) of all offences.

Insurers will frown heavily upon motorists caught with driving convictions and, according to Confused.com’s test quotes, having a conviction could cause car insurance policies to increase by 30%⁵ or more, depending on the drivers risk profile.

Quote for a 30 year old female marketing manager in Cardiff driving a 2003 Mini Cooper, 6,000 miles a year with 5 years NCD. Parked on driveway, with no convictions - £682

 

Speed Demons

Confused.com’s own research has shown that there is a huge difference to the cost of car insurance premiums for drivers with speeding convictions compared to those without. The sample driver’s quote with an SP30 speeding conviction and 3 points on their licence was 34% more than the same driver who had a clean license, who would pay £682 for their motor insurance policy compared to £913 with a conviction.

In fact, not only will the driver’s insurance go up but they could also be faced with a fine of up to £1,200⁸ depending on the particular speeding conviction.

Mobile Madness

This is similar for ‘mobile-mad' Brits, where the increasing popularity of Facebook and Twitter means that people won’t leave their phones alone. However Confused.com’s example found that a sample driver caught using a hand-held device while driving (CU80) was quoted £913 for their car insurance which is a 49% increase compared to the same driver who has never been convicted of this offence. That text or phone call could end up costing drivers over £200!

One too Many

A drink driving conviction (DR10 penalty) on a motorist's license can also have a dramatic effect on their insurance options. A driver should expect to see a huge hike to their premiums, with the sample driver’s prices increasing from £682 per year to £1464 per year - a whopping 115% (£782) rise.

Risk Takers

One of the most expensive and well known driving convictions is an IN10 motoring conviction. This is the conviction code used for drivers who have been convicted of driving without motor insurance. In the UK this is a significant offence and can carry hefty penalties for repeat offenders. In the worst cases this can result in a complete ban and fines of up to £5,000.

First time offenders may receive 6 points and a fine of £180 but the penalties can be far more serious depending on the incident. Finding insurance after an IN10 conviction can be tough, however when the sample driver finally found a quote, it was at a price of £1,577, which is a 131% increase compared to the same driver without such conviction.

Wheely Bad Driver

One of the less obvious motoring convictions is driving with defective tyres (CU30). However drivers could see their motor insurance claims affected and face fines of up to £10,000⁹, simply by failing to take proper care of their tyres.

One defective or bald tyre could see drivers hit with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points or up to £5,000 and 6 points for two defective tyres. In fact if all four tyres were defective, the maximum fine could be as much as £10,000 with a whopping 12 penalty points.

As well as a driver paying these huge amounts on fines for this conviction, the sample driver with a CU30 conviction was faced with a quote increase of 69% (£471) for their car insurance policy.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com, said: "Any increase in the price of your premium will be dependent on amongst other things the severity of your conviction. However any conviction will likely cause a change in the cost of car insurance and those with convictions could be paying out hundreds of pounds more than people with a clean licence.”

“Our advice is simple, drive carefully and be mindful of the rules of the road. If you do have a conviction you must disclose this on your policy. If you don't disclose a conviction and you make a claim on your policy, your insurance company could refuse to pay the claim. Alternatively, they could make an additional charge for the conviction and won't authorise the claim until the charge is paid.”

“How big an impact a conviction will have on the cost of your insurance depends on a number of factors, including insurance companies' conviction policies, the type of conviction, the car you drive and your age so make sure you shop around on a price comparison site like Confused.com to ensure you get the best price.”

 

 

---

SHARE THIS PAGE

---