Drivers will pay the price for calling
February 26, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Insurance
Drivers who flout the law regarding the use of handheld telephones while driving may find themselves paying for the act twice.
AA Insurance warns that offenders are likely to end up paying for the crime through their insurance policy as well as the increased fine.
As of February 27th anyone caught using their mobile phone while driving will be given a £60 penalty notice – double the current amount – and three points on their licence.
The AA says that this is likely to lead to more insurers taking their own action against offenders in a bid to protect themselves.
“While some insurers may ignore a first offence – as they may for a speeding endorsement – they are likely to significantly increase premiums for a second one,” said Janet Pell from AA Insurance.
“In addition, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, the offence remains on your record for five years and insurers will take account of driving infringements over that period, even though endorsements can be removed from your driving licence after three years.”
The AA recently carried out a survey of eight insurers in which it found that half increased premiums by around 16 per cent for one speeding offence.
This number increased to seven for a second offence, while one insurer refused to offer cover.
AA Insurance is warning drivers that insurance firms are likely to adopt a similar approach to the use of mobiles while driving.
