Dangerous driving hits car insurance

Nearly 70% of British drivers admit to driving dangerously, what about the impact on car insurance?

New research from Sainsburys car insurance shows that the number of people admitting to driving dangerously is up 4% on last year.

For example, using a non hands-free mobile phone whilst driving is illegal but 12% admit to doing this.

11% of drivers even admit to sending text messages whilst driving.

Clearly concentrating and sticking to the rules of the road is the best policy but so too is making sure you have the best car insurance in place should you be involved in an accident.

You can compare car insurance offered by the many competing providers using a comparison website such as Comparethemarket.com, Confused.com or Moneysupermarket.com.

Some policies for example, including that offered by Sainsburys car insurance, offer 24 hour accident recovery and with comprehensive cover a courtesy car when a recommended repairer is used.

Sainsburys car insurance manager, Lucy Hunter, said ‘Unfortunately many motorists get distracted too easily whilst driving and don’t consider the possible consequences of their actions. We would urge motorists to concentrate at the wheel and not be tempted to engage in anything that could distract them.’

Bad driving habits include

• Eating and drinking whilst driving
• Driving whilst feeling tired
• Excessive speeding
• Driving wearing flip flops / no shoes
• Using mobile phone that is not hands-free
• Reading a map
• Texting whilst driving

Apart from the risk to your health and others, driving without due care and attention that results in an accident, means you’re likely to have to make a claim on your insurance – so you’re also risking your no claims discount. This could impact heavily on the subesequent cost of your car insurance.