We've all heard the messages: don't drink and drive, don't use a mobile phone behind the wheel and don't speed. However, just how much does it cost us if we don't listen?
In addition to fines, penalty points on our licence and, in worst case scenarios, even court time, receiving a motoring conviction can have a serious impact on our car insurance premiums.
According to research from a comparison website, motorists found driving while under the influence of alcohol can expect their annual premiums to rise by an average of 48 per cent. If you are banned from driving after drinking while behind the wheel, the DR10 conviction will stay on your licence for 11 years and will cost you an average of £2,300 extra on your premiums during this period.
Those that speed or use a mobile phone while driving don't get off lightly with car insurance companies either.
One speeding conviction typically causes premiums to rise by five per cent. If you're caught speeding for a second time then you can expect your car insurance costs to leap by 20 per cent. Three strikes will lead to an average rise of 33 per cent - typically around £150 a year.
Use a mobile phone behind the wheel and you may be shut out by insurers altogether. Swiftcover, on average the cheapest car insurer in the UK, does not offer quotes to drivers with a mobile phone use conviction. For those drivers the most competitive quote is actually 24 per cent more expensive.
Clearly the rules of the road are there for a reason and if you don't abide by them you can expect to pay a heavy price. Drivers are encouraged to think responsibly, turn their phones off while driving, stick to the speed limit and designate an alcohol-free driver during your nights out.
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