A motoring expert is informing drivers that get convicted of speeding for the first time to expect an average increase in the price of car insurance of around 17 per-cent.
If found guilty of failing to stick to speed limits drivers face the prospect of being handed a 60 fine and have 3 points put on their license.
In some cases though, motorists can avoid the 3 point penalty & fine by taking the National Speed Awareness course, which is an alternative to prosecution and is designed to reiterate the dangers of driving too fast.
Findings recently distributed by <a href=”http://www.moneysupermarket.com/” target=”_blank”>moneysupermarket.com</a>, the leading price comparison website in the UK, discovered that 72% of those asked would attend the course if offered the choice, while 16% would prefer to accept the fine and points. 53% would enrol to prevent their insurance premiums from going up & 14% felt taking the course would help them learn something from it.
Peter Harrison is a car insurance professional at moneysupermarket.com and is advising motorists to drive responsibly or face the consequences.
Harrison is also keen to emphasise the importance of shopping around online for <a href=”http://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/young-drivers/” target=”_blank”>cheap car insurance for young drivers</a> from MoneySupermarket and for other age groups can work out hundreds of pounds cheaper.
He said: “The National Speed Awareness Course was introduced to give motorists caught speeding the opportunity to re-educate themselves on the effects and dangers involved.
“By attending the course, motorists will avoid the three points on their license and the 60 fine providing it is either the first time they are caught, or that haven’t taken the course within the last three years.
“It’s no surprise the course option is proving to be the most popular with motorists. Insurers clearly take a dim view on policy holders who speed and this is reflected in higher car insurance premiums.
“Motorists can expect to see their premiums rise by around 17 per cent on average for the first offence, and this will continue to increase the more convictions you get. For repeat offenders, some insurers may even refuse to cover you.
“Not only are motorists who flout the law by speeding risking the lives of other road users and pedestrians as well as their own, they also run the risk of adding to the existing headache of sky high car insurance premiums.”
Harrison added: “My advice to motorists concerned by the cost of their car insurance is to always scour the market for the best deal for your circumstances.”