Car insurance news
14/12/2011
Insurance prices to rise for convicted drink drivers
A report has revealed that motorists who have been caught behind the wheel while over the drink drive limit may face rises of up to 84% on the cost of their insurance. For car owners, a potential increase in their annual premium acts as a deterrent against reckless driving.
Online car insurance comparison website MoneySupermarket has estimated that convicted motorists who have a DR10 penalty (driving or attempting to drive with blood/alcohol level above limit) on their driving licence could see their car insurance quotes rise from an average of £424 to £784 for annual cover.
The Department of Transport has revealed that about 6% of road casualties and 16% of road fatalities in the UK involve a motorist who has been driving under the influence on alcohol.
Driving over the legal limit threatens the safety of other road users, and drivers who are caught face fines of up to £1000, a 12-month driving ban and a prison sentence.
Peter Harrison for MoneySupermarket said, "Even drinking within the legal limit is unadvisable.
"Any alcohol consumed can impact reaction times and impair co-ordination and judgment, potentially making you a danger while on the roads."
Drivers who have been convicted for driving over the legal limit must inform their insurance for car provider when they search for a car insurance quote.