AA Insurance warns that drivers who flout mobile phone laws could be made to pay higher premiums...
Drivers who flout the new offence of using a mobile telephone while driving could end up paying up to four times or more than their fixed penalty notice, through increased insurance premiums, AA Insurance has warned.
As from 27 February, the fixed penalty for use of a hand-held telephone while driving will double from £30 to £60 and will be subject to three penalty points.
Now that it has become an endorseable offence, with offence code CU80, insurers are likely to take account of this when calculating premiums.
Janet Pell, head of motor insurance at AA Insurance, says: “Research shows that drivers using a mobile phone – whether it is hand-held or hands-free – are four times more likely to have an accident because their concentration on driving is halved.
"And those using a hand-held phone are less able to control their car if they have to take emergency action.”
Typically, an offence is likely to attract a premium increase of around £60 which will remain for three years.
Pell said: “While some insurers may ignore a first offence – as they may for a speeding (SP30) endorsement – they are likely to significantly increase premiums for a second one.
“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 license after three years.”
