Money Misery For Mobile Phone Using Motorists Say AA
Although those illegally using a mobile phone whilst driving will be fined, this may be just the beginning of their motoring related money pressures.
Such is the claim of AA Insurance, which it highlighted that consumers who choose to flout the law and talk on the phone while behind the wheel will be hit with a fixed-penalty notice to the tune of 60 pounds. And while some people might think that such a punishment is sufficient in itself, for those using a mobile while in motion the financial services firm indicated that such drivers will face higher motor insurance premiums. It was indicated that those drivers who are guilty of using a mobile phone while driving will discover their insurance costs rise by an average of about 40 pounds over the course of 12 months - with increases over the three-year period that the offence lasts for standing at “well over” 100 pounds.
Although increasing the annual cost of insurance by 40 pounds is a substantial rise in itself , many drivers are finding that being caught with a mobile while at the wheel may lead to even more serious financial consequences. Out of a panel of 8 insurance providers, AA pointed out that the Insurance companies questioned could increase yearly insurance costs any amount between 4.2 and 18.1 per cent for those with only a single mobile phone offence. One firm also claimed, they would refuse to provide cover altogether.
As a result of increased car insurance costs, it is also possible that drivers will come under more pressure to manage other aspects related to their vehicle such as fuel and repairs. This could in turn have an impact on their ability to handle other financial commitments such as credit cards, personal loans and household bills.
Motorists caught using a mobile phone while at the wheel could also be charged with careless driving. Such an offence, it was claimed could lead to them being banned from driving a car. Resulting from this such consumers are likely to find that they are refused insurance cover, with half insurance companies claiming they would not offer them a policy, with the other half charging more than an extra 50 per cent.
AA insurance director, Simon Douglas, commented: “Driving whilst holding a mobile phone puts you more at risk of being involved in an accident - your reactions are slowed and makes controlling the car more difficult. Insurance companies have adopted a sensible attitude taking such offences seriously. A majority of offenders are unaware of the fact that their insurance will become more expensive, and are hoping that raising the awareness of this premium rise will make people think twice about using their mobile while driving.”
He also added that the police check mobile phone records following on from a road traffic accident, as part of their routine investigations, to see if the phone played a part in the accident. Resulting from this Mr Douglas advised drivers to be honest about any endorsements when renewing their insurance cover. Any inaccuracies could render their policy void.
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