Mobile phone use while driving can increase insurance premiums

Mobile phone users can expect an increase in insurance costs if they are caught using their phones while driving. A new law allows police to not only fine drivers £60 for using their phone while driving, but also to add up to 3 points on their license. Such an action, according to Insurancewide.com, can add as much as £150 to auto insurance premiums. The new laws went into force on Tuesday.

According to the Think! road safety website, the new law doesn’t just mean that drivers cannot use their mobile phones while their car is in motion. They can also be fined for using the phone while stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic.

The only exceptions to the new law is for drivers using their phones to make 999 or 112 emergency calls in a situation where it would be impractical or dangerous to stop. Hands-free phone use is not specifically prohibited, but drivers using such equipment can still be fined and have points added to their license if they drive unsafely while talking.

As many as 22 percent of drivers claim that they are not distracted by using a mobile phone while they drive, but research has show that drivers talking on the phone are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.

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