Motorists will pay the price of a drug conviction

Motorists convicted of driving, or attempting to drive, while under the influence of drugs could see the cost of their car insurance premiums rise by as much as 78 per cent, according to moneysupermarket.com. Worse still, some may find they have difficulty insuring themselves in the future.  

Research by moneysupermarket.com found a drug driving conviction (DR80 penalty) on a motorist's licence will have dramatic effects on insurance options. It found many insurers won't provide cover after a conviction, and from those that do, drivers can expect a huge hike to their premiums. Motorists could see prices increase from an average of £404 per year to £720 per year - a staggering 78 per cent (£316) increase - when comparing the top 20 quotes for a driver without a conviction, against the top 20 with a DR80 conviction.

The latest Department of Transport research found during 2008 there were 1,085 casualties as a result of driving while under the influence of drugs; 60 deaths, 280 serious injuries and 745 slight injuries.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Driving, or even attempting to drive, under the influence of drugs just shouldn't be a consideration for any motorist full stop. Those who do will face serious consequences.  You not only risk your own safety, but that of others around you, such as pedestrians and other road users.

"Any convicted motorist will see their insurance premiums rocket, or even worse face the difficult task of trying to find a provider who is prepared to insure them. A conviction could also lead to a £1,000 fine, a 12-month driving ban, 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.

"It's good to see there are steps being taken to reduce the prevalence of drug driving. The Government initiative on devices that allow police officers to test for drugs - including cannabis and cocaine - in a suspect's system is definitely a step in the right direction to tackle the problem. If you have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs then you only option would be to shop around for a provider who is prepared to insure you, but expect to pay the price for your cover."