30% hike for mobile phone drivers
30% hike for mobile phone drivers
Tuesday, 15 Apr 2008 00:57
Allianz Insurance has announced it is to increase policy premiums for motorists with convictions for driving while using a mobile phone by up to 30 per cent.
At present drivers with a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving had their premium increased in line with motorists with a routine speeding conviction, however, this is now set to change.
The insurance giant is now treating mobile phone use convictions in the same manner as a conviction for careless driving - and increasing premium levels accordingly.
"Increasing premiums for drivers with mobile phone convictions reinforces the fact that this is a dangerous and needless act," said Neil Walker, Allianz Insurance motor manager.
"If you are convicted of using a mobile phone while driving, not only do you face a fine and points on your licence, you will also suffer the added financial burden of increased motor insurance."
Driving with a mobile phone was made illegal on December 1st 2003.
The law was subsequently tightened on February 27th, with potential fines increasing from £30 to £60, with a three point penalty also a possible punishment.
In a survey of 3,000 motorists carried out by Allianz, 56 per cent said they saw someone using a mobile phone while driving every day.
A very honest ten per cent also admitted they have used a mobile phone while driving without using a hands-free kit – putting themselves at risk of conviction.
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "We hope this tougher stance against drivers using a mobile phone while at the wheel will persuade more people to switch off their mobiles when they get into their cars and not switch them on again until they are parked safely.
"Using a mobile phone while driving - whether hand-held or hands-free - makes you four times more likely to crash. We have to do everything possible to encourage people not to put lives at risk in this way," Mr Clinton concluded.