"Serious" impact on premiums from drink-driving convictions

August, 15, 2008

A drink-driving conviction will have a "serious" impact on a car insurance premium, it has been asserted.

Erik Nelson, a spokesperson for financial services provider Norwich Union, explains that if a motorist fails to declare such a conviction - if they have one - then they risk voiding their entire policy in the event of a claim having to be made.

"Honesty is always the best policy," he adds.

Mr Nelson concludes by suggesting that the safe and responsible option for consumers is to not drink at all if they plan to drive, noting that public transport or a taxi provide simple ways to get from one place to another if planning to consumer alcohol.

The Norwich Union representative's comments follow the publication of a report from the Motor Insurer's Bureau from September 2007, which found that uninsured drivers were ten time more likely to have a drink-driving conviction than their insured counterparts.