If you are caught using your mobile phone while driving you can expect a hefty rise in your premiums...
Motoring fines drive up premiums
Insurers normally increase premiums after motoring fines - but there's a huge difference depending on what the fine is for.
If you are caught using your mobile phone while driving you can expect a hefty rise in your premiums - but if you are convicted for speeding for the first time you might not have to pay more.
That is according to AA Insurance, which says that after a first speeding offence, a driver can keep his or her licence clean and might avoid a premium increase if they take a speed awareness test, which costs around £90.
Typically a first speeding offence costs four times the usual £60 fine - because that's the average amount the speeding driver's premiums will rise over three years. Drivers caught using their mobile phones are treated more seriously and could see their premiums rise by 32% or even lose their cover.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, says: "Those who have a single speeding conviction are 10% to 12% more likely to make a claim than those who have a clean licence.
"Someone who picks up a second offence is 18% more likely to do so than a driver with just one. A driver caught for crossing a red traffic signal is 20% to 25% more likely to make a claim."
Mobile phone offences are regarded more seriously than speeding by insurers because the likelihood of an offender making a claim is up to double that of someone with a clean licence.
Mr Douglas adds: "Insurers rightly treat drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone very seriously. The point is it is a deliberate act. Many drivers may accidentally drift over a 30mph limit without immediately realising it. But no-one accidentally makes or answers a call or text. It's completely unacceptable."