One in five risking car insurance, study shows

Tue, 27 Feb 2007

New studies reveal that millions of drivers in the UK could be risking their car insurance by failing to adhere to mobile phone usage laws on the road, with reports that as many as one in five drivers believe they are not distracted by their mobiles.

According to experts at Liverpool Victoria a fifth of all drivers do not believe that mobile phones cause distraction while behind the wheel, prompting fears that millions of motorists could be putting their car insurance at risk. These findings come ahead of the introduction of new legislation on mobile phone usage.

Under new laws drivers caught using mobile phones while driving will be subject to a £60 cash fine and three penalty points on the license. This is up from a £30 fine as was previously applicable.

With one in five drivers representing some seven million drivers, concerns are mounting that many could be putting their car insurance in jeopardy by failing to acknowledge mobile phone laws. John O'Roarke, managing director of Liverpool Victoria General Insurance, welcomes the new penalties.

"Any distraction while driving, such as using a handheld mobile phone, is dangerous and could cause an accident," he said.

"In addition, drivers convicted of this offence are likely to face higher premiums when they renew their motor insurance."


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