A study by Confused.com found that about one in five drivers, roughly 924,000 people, have a prior driving conviction. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone. These convictions can come from various reasons like speeding or using your mobile phone while driving, and they usually impact your insurance premiums. However, if you have motor trade insurance, you might not see a big difference.
Statistics show that drivers with convictions are more likely to be involved in road accidents, which leads to higher insurance premiums. The extra amount you pay depends on how serious your conviction is and which insurance company you’re with. It’s a good idea to shop around because different companies have different views on certain convictions, and you might find better rates.
Your insurance premium is affected by several factors, like the type of car you drive, your age, where you live, your driving history, and how many miles you drive each year. Driving less and choosing a safer car can help lower your premiums.
Having a past driving conviction can increase your premiums significantly, but this usually lasts for up to five years. If you keep a clean record during this time, your premiums will go down again.
Confused.com’s Jeanette Miller highlighted the significant differences in insurance costs based on specific driving convictions:
– Speeding on a public road: an additional 9%
– Using a mobile phone: an additional 16%
– Driving without due care: an additional 26%
– Ignoring traffic lights: an additional 28%
– Drug driving: an additional 117%
– Drink driving: an additional 134%
– Dangerous driving: an additional 134%
It’s surprising to see how some convictions, like drug driving, cost less than drink driving, although texting while driving has been shown to impair reaction time more than drinking does. If you are charged with drink driving, it’s a good idea to consult a specialized solicitor.
To reduce your insurance costs, consider attending driving awareness courses to improve your skills, as this is viewed positively by insurance companies and the law. Other ways to save include moving to a lower-risk area or choosing a home with a garage for secure vehicle storage.