72% want convictions checked

More than 70% the public wants insurers to check motoring convictions and offences from those lying to get cheaper car insurance, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has found.

They think motorists who break the law by using a mobile phone while driving are the biggest menace on the UK’s roads.

The survey of 2,000 motorists, conducted for the ABI by YouGov, found:

• 72% want insurers to be able to check driving licences for relevant motoring convictions or endorsements before offering insurance
• 72% think that drivers using mobile phones are most likely to cause an accident, followed by young male drivers (45%), and uninsured drivers (34%)
• The main worry for women while driving is the risk of being involved in a staged accident, with a third citing it as their main concern. Male motorists worry most about having their car vandalised (30%)
• 30% of motorists think that they are most at risk of suffering a serious injury while on the road. 15% of women are worried about being injured as a passenger, compared to 7% of men
• The cost of driving is the one thing that annoys motorists the most, with six out of ten motorists citing it, followed by traffic congestion (44%), and the condition of the roads (41%)

Nick Starling, the ABI’s director of general insurance and health, said: “Honest motorists are fed up with drivers who lie and cheat to try to obtain cheaper insurance. We rely on people being honest, but those who conceal motoring offences not only push up the cost of insurance for everyone, but also run the risk of having any claim rejected.

“To protect honest customers, insurers are currently discussing with Government whether they would be able to check for relevant motoring convictions and endorsements.”