Speeding convictions can add 30% to cost of insurance

Drivers taking risks with the speed limit could end up paying up to 27% more for their premium, according to research from Confused.com. A young admin assistant1 adding two convictions to their policy will pay a penalty of £168.

Contrary to the belief that putting the pedal to the metal is the domain of young drivers, speeding convictions actually peak between the ages of 31 – 35.

The summer months are the speeding capital of the calendar, with speeding convictions dropping steadily throughout the winter months and 50% more speeding convictions being obtained in June compared to the annual low of December. This suggests that drivers slow down and take better care during the rough driving conditions in winter months.

Singletons are more likely to be careful than their common-law counterparts, only 10.6% of those speed compared to 16.7% of those in a common-law relationship.

Unsurprisingly drivers of high performance cars are more likely to be caught speeding. Drivers of Maseratis, Porsche's and SAAB's are twice as likely to hold a speeding conviction as Proton, Daewoo and Rover Drivers.

Will Thomas, head of motor at Confused.com says "Whilst it may be tempting to put your foot down when you're in a rush, it is important to think of the implications of going over the limit.  Speed contributes to the ability of drivers to brake and avoid an accident and undoubtedly affects the amount of damage in the event a collision can't be avoided.

"When it comes to gambling with the speed limit, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Without taking into account how dangerous the extra speed is to other drivers and pedestrians, the fines and the points, speeding also has the potential to be very costly when it comes to getting insurance. With premiums now standing at £650 on average according to the latest Confused.com motor insurance index and young drivers suffering the most, now is not the time to risk blighting your driving record."