Drink driving convictions ''will have a massive impact on insurance premiums''

By MoneyhighStreet Staff. Published on August 16, 2008 This post currently has no comments.

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Industry experts have warned motorists that a drink driving conviction could seriously push up their car insurance premiums.

Erik Nelson, a spokesperson for Norwich Union, was commenting following research that had indicated that drink driving rates among women appeared to be increasing.

Mr Nelson stressed that the fact that female drink driving rates were rising was unlikely on its own to push up average car insurance premiums for the gender.

However, he suggested that any drink driving conviction would almost certainly cause an individual''s premiums to sky rocket.

"A drink-driving conviction will seriously impact your premium," Mr Nelson explained.

"As a reminder, if a motorist fails to declare their convictions they risk their motor insurance policy becoming void in the event of a claim. Honesty is always the best policy."

Earlier this week, the government revealed that it was altering the laws so that any motorist that kills while distracted at the wheel could face up to five years in prison.

The new laws will also penalise uninsured, disqualified or unlicensed drivers who kill.

Justice minister Maria Eagle said at the time: "Driving requires full concentration at all times. A moment''s distraction can make the difference between life and death."