Government consultation to clampdown on excessive speeding

Commenting on the Government's consultation to clampdown on excessive speeding, Andy Leadbetter, head of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Proposals to punish extreme speeders and drug-driving with harsher penalties and a ban can only be a good thing if it cuts down dangerous driving.

"Those who commit driving offences don't think about the implications of their actions, not only could they harm someone else, but if they are caught it could have a big impact on their insurance costs.

"Our research shows two speeding convictions will typically raise premiums by 16 per cent, and a six-month ban for speeding could send renewals soaring by almost 50 per cent for a male driver aged 30. Furthermore, drivers could find themselves totally uninsurable as some providers could refuse to cover you.

"Speeding increases accident rates so it's hardly surprising that insurers view it dimly. If you lose your license speeding, you will have the expense and inconvenience of public transport, and then when you return behind the wheel you could be hit with greatly increased premiums for up to five years."