Car insurers start penalising speed awareness courses

A recent article by the BBC raises interesting questions.

Caroline Dunne, Consultant in IBB’s Criminal Defence and Road Traffic Offences team comments:

“The option to attend speed awareness courses has always been an incentive to drivers caught speeding not simply because it prevents points from being endorsed on a licence, but also because many assumed that by attending the insurance particulars would not be affected to their detriment. The recent news from Admiral has changed all of that. Whilst the incentive remains to attend speed awareness courses to stave off endorsement, drivers will now have to be told by the police and course providers that attendance may well affect insurance premiums even though it is not classed as a conviction. It is a particularly harsh stance taken by Admiral who believe that these drivers pose a risk whilst on the road, thereby nullifying the reason for the courses in the first place. Whether other insurance companies follow suit remains to be seen, but drivers must now be warned about the pitfalls”.

Should you, a family member or an employee find yourself facing charges relating to mobile phone use at the wheel, it is advisable to seek legal advice. At IBB we have solicitors who specialise in road traffic law. Contact our road traffic offence team who can help you understand the charges and support you in court. Contact Caroline Dunne at 01895 207214 or by email caroline.dunne@ibblaw.co.uk.