Increased premiums for motorists with convictions for mobile use

Allianz Insurance is increasing premiums for motorists with convictions for driving whilst using a mobile phone by 30 per cent.

In the past, drivers with a conviction for using a mobile phone whilst driving had their premium increased in line with motorists with a routine speeding conviction.

Allianz is now treating mobile phone use convictions in the same manner as a conviction for careless driving, and increasing premium levels accordingly.

Neil Walker, Allianz Insurance motor manager, said: "Increasing premiums for drivers with mobile phone convictions reinforces the fact that this is a dangerous and needless act.

"If you are convicted of using a mobile phone while driving, not only do you face a fine and points on your licence, you will also suffer the added financial burden of increased motor insurance.

"Allianz will continue to provide excellent service and products to all of their customers - but those with convictions, especially mobile phone convictions, will inevitably have to pay higher premiums."

In a survey of 3,000 motorists by Allianz Insurance, 56 per cent said they saw someone using a mobile phone while driving every day. An honest 10 per cent admitted they have used a mobile phone while driving without using a hands-free kit.

Two-thirds of respondents said they thought the change of policy by Allianz was a 'good idea' or 'very good idea'.

Kevin Clinton, Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "We hope this tougher stance against drivers using a mobile phone while at the wheel will persuade more people to switch off their mobiles when they get into their cars and not switch them on again until they are parked safely.

"Using a mobile phone while driving - whether hand-held or hands-free - makes you four times more likely to crash. We have to do everything possible to encourage people not to put lives at risk in this way."