Fuel Cards Motoring Updates: Speeding fines cost more than you think

Research conducted by the AA shows speeding offences could cost you £240 in increased insurance premiums over three years – that’s four times the typical £60 fine you might expect to receive for exceeding the speed limit.

The AA says motor insurers are getting tougher on drivers caught speeding because they represent a greater risk and so charge premiums accordingly.

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Insurance, told the Daily Telegraph: "Those who flout the law are more likely to make a claim and their premium reflects that risk. Why should the majority of motorists who stay within the law, subsidise those who don't?

“Those who have a single speeding conviction are 10 percent to 12 percent more likely to make a claim than those who have a clean licence. Someone who picks up a second offence is 18 percent more likely to do so than a driver with just one. A driver caught for crossing a red traffic signal, is 20 percent to 25 percent more likely to make a claim.”

The AA also warns motorists caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving could see their insurance cover withdrawn altogether.

This comes as road safety charity, Brake, releases new figures suggesting nearly half of drivers are willing to put their own, and others’, lives at risk by chatting on their phones at the wheel.

Brake says using a phone at the wheel, even with a hands-free kit, can lengthen reaction times to a similar extent to drink driving.

Julie Townsend, Brake Deputy Chief Executive, said: "Many drivers who wouldn't dream of drink-driving are using phones while driving, oblivious that the effect on your reaction times can be similar.”

In related news, The Government is proposing to increase the cost of fixed penalty notices from £60 to £90 to provide a boost to the victim support fund.

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