Don't let a festive tipple drive you into motor trouble
Motorists convicted of drink driving could see the cost of their motor insurance premium almost double, according to moneysupermarket.com. Worse still, some may find they are totally uninsurable in the future.
A drink driving conviction under the DR10 penalty can have dramatic affects on a motorist's insurance options. Research carried out by the price comparison site reveals some big name insurers will provide motor insurance cover after a conviction, but with a massive hike in price. Drivers could see their premiums increase from an average of £300 per year to £578 per year - a whopping £278 difference.
Furthermore, some convicted motorists may find themselves ‘uninsurable' by their provider; certain insurers will not even return a quote and will refuse to insure a motorist convicted of drink driving, while others will not insure a motorist if they have received a driving ban in the last five years.
Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "As the Christmas party season begins, we are all guilty of letting our hair down with a sneaky tipple to get into the festive spirit, but if you are planning on drinking it is essential to have adequate travel arrangements to get you home. Driving under the influence of alcohol is simply not an option, and anyone planning on doing so will have serious consequences to face. It is not only the risk to your own safety that needs consideration, but a second thought must be paid to others around you, pedestrians and road users alike."
According to a recent survey carried out by the Home Office, a staggering one in eight drivers (12 per cent) admitted to having driven after drinking what they believed was an ‘over the limit' amount of alcohol in the previous year.
Steve Sweeney continued: "On top of a massive hike in insurance premium costs, any convicted motorist is likely to find themselves with the difficult task of trying to find a provider who is prepared to insure someone with a drink driving conviction. What's more, a conviction could lead to a £1,000 fine, a 12-month driving ban on their licence, and even a possible prison sentence. It is simply not worth taking the risk - the results of doing so can be costly and very damaging.
"Even drinking under the legal limit is a tricky game to play. Motorists need to be aware of the affects that drinking alcohol has on your body; reaction times can be considerably slower, and coordination and judgement skewed. It is also important to remember that each person is different - gender, age, weight, and metabolism are also factors when considering alcohol consumption. My advice to anyone planning on driving over the festive period is to stick to the soft drinks."