Drivers Speeding to Higher Insurance

Many drivers are finding the true cost of a speeding offence is not the £600 fine but the increase in insurance premiums that can follow, according to the latest figures.

A quarter of British households have one resident driver with at least one conviction for speeding, research by AA Insurance reveals.

It says the typical SP30 speeding offence comes with a £60 fine but drivers are finding that it can also mean an increase in their insurance premiums for three years.

Although a first speeding offence may not result in an immediate premium increase, the record remains on file for five years and any subsequent offences will almost invariably result in higher insurance costs.

Janet Pell, motor insurance manager of AA Insurance, said: "You would pay even more if you transgress twice in the same year. And add a CD10 conviction for driving without due care and attention (for example crossing a red traffic light) and your insurance bill could almost double – or you may find it difficult to obtain cover at all."

Despite the fact there is an inconsistent view between different insurance companies on motoring offences, Ms Pell warns: "If you are involved in an accident that is related in some way to a previously undeclared offence, you could find your insurance invalidated."