Motorists who use mobiles 'will pay more for car insurance'

By Tom Farley, Fri 5 Sep 2008 - Published in Car Insurance

Drivers who use their mobile phones illegally are risking a 54 per cent hike in their car insurance premiums, Moneysupermarket has said.

In news relevant to car insurance holders, the group said that 30 per cent of British motorists admit to using their phones illegally while driving.

They could face steep car insurance rises if caught, as well as a Ł60 fine and three penalty points on their licences.

According to Moneysupermarket's research, 21 per cent of motorists admitted to reading or writing a text message while at the wheel and 14 per cent talk and drive at the same time.

In addition, 13 per cent admit using their phones at least weekly.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at the website, warned that being distracted from the road, even for a moment, "can be catastrophic".

In related news, over 90 per cent of drivers are taking action to try to reduce the cost of running a car, according to research by Saga.

Of those polled, 15 per cent mistakenly think that spreading the weight in a car will reduce fuel consumption.

But 54 per cent correctly believe that switching off the air conditioning can save them money.

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