Speed Awareness Course Saves Points & Insurance Increase
Tuesday, 5. October 2010
Now here’s something you probably didn’t know about. We all know that if we are convicted of speeding and receive the automatic points on your licence you must declare that to your insurer immediately and suffer the increase in premium. Some insurers don’t increase the premium if it’s your first speeding fine but others do so check with your insurer. But here’s the thing, what happens if you are caught speeding, but as an alternative to a fine and points on your licence, you are given the choice of attending a speed awareness course? Do you have to advise your insurance company? The answer is no. The Association of Chief Police Officers say ‘a speed awareness course is an alternative to prosecution so there is no conviction.’ On the other side of the coin the insurers say that they only need to be advised of any convictions (unless the application/policy specifically asks if you have attended a speed awareness course). So if you are concerned that a conviction will increase the cost of insurance and you have been offered the alternative – I’d be straight down to the course for a bit of speed management instruction! Have you been on a course and did you let the insurer know? By Graham Hill
