Research from Confused.com has shown that about one in five drivers have a prior driving conviction, which amounts to around 924,000 people. If you have a driving conviction, you’re not alone—it could be for reasons like speeding or using your mobile phone while driving. This definitely impacts your insurance rates. However, those with motor trade insurance may not see as much of an effect.
Statistics indicate that drivers with convictions are more likely to be in road accidents, leading to higher insurance premiums. The extra amount you’ll pay varies based on the severity of your conviction and the insurance company you choose. It’s a good idea to compare different insurers, as they may treat certain convictions differently and you might find significant savings.
Your insurance premium is influenced by several factors, including the make of your car, your age, location, driving history, and annual mileage. Driving fewer miles and choosing safer car models can help reduce your premiums.
A past driving conviction can significantly raise your premiums, but this penalty usually lasts for up to five years. If you keep a clean record during this period, your premiums will go down again.
Jeanette Miller from Confused.com highlighted how additional insurance costs can vary depending on the type of driving conviction:
– 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 that drug driving costs less than drink driving or that texting while driving, which greatly impairs reaction time, incurs a lower penalty. If you’re charged with drink driving, it’s highly recommended to consult a specialized solicitor.
To lower your insurance costs, consider taking driving awareness courses and other programs designed to improve your driving skills, as insurers view this positively. Additionally, moving to a ‘lower-risk’ area or choosing a home with a garage for safe vehicle storage can also help reduce your premiums.