Pay how you drive news - Drink driving can increase low mileage insurance cost

Insurance news - Low mileage insurance holders should avoid alcohol

For most motorists the risk of suffering a car accident is enough to stop them from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, however, research carried out by price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com has revealed another deterrent from drink driving.

Reportedly, if a road user is caught and convicted for the offence of drink driving by police, they could see their annual premium increase in cost by 85%. For example, a £424 insurance policy would increase to around £784 post-conviction.

More seriously, of course, not only could this increase in the price of cover result in financial stress, but "driving under the influence" can lead to a motorist being involved in an accident. They might cause themselves, another road user, or a pedestrian severe personal injuries or even death.

Further, a driver's insurance cover may be affected where he or she is found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

Drinkaware, an independent, UK-wide charity, recommends avoiding drinking alcohol altogether if a road user plans to drive. That same advice should be adhered to even if a motorist has low mileage insurance and is not planning to drive far.

Pay-how-you-drive car insurance holders may be even more aware than other drivers of the hazards of getting behind the wheel without having full control of the vehicle, since their low cost insurance policies work on the basis that the motorist is driving in a safe and considerate manner.

The renewed reporting of the insurance statistic from Moneysupermarket.com and the many road safety campaigns currently in action come as timely reminders in the month of Christmas and New Year parties that there are many reasons against drink driving and no arguments for.