Car insurance companies block mobile phone use

Sometimes statistics can be deceptive – that’s the view of one car insurance provider after the Department of Transport issued figures highlighting a reduction in the number of drivers using mobile phones.

According to Yes Insurance this gives a misleading perception that road safety is improving – when in fact it believes that the hands-free devices drivers are switching to are just as dangerous as their hand held predecessors.

The Department of Transport’s figures covered the period from September 2006 to August 2007 and discovered a 40 per cent drop in the number of motorists using mobile phones. This was meant to indicate that stricter penalties implemented in February 2007 – which now see drivers hit with three points on their licence and a £60 fine when caught using a mobile phone – are working and having a beneficial effect.

However, Yes Insurance disputes this belief.

Why do car insurers discourage hands-free mobile phone use?

According to studies the use of hands-free devices behind the wheel is just as dangerous as handheld use. Research from the University of Sydney’s Injury Prevention and Trauma Care division shows people who use mobile phones while driving – including hands-free kits - are four times as likely to be involved in a crash.

In addition, research from the Transport Research Laboratory in the UK, finds that drivers talking on both handheld and hands-free devices have 30 per cent slower reaction times than those who have been drinking – and are 50 per cent slower than those who are sober.

Research from multiple sources suggests mobile phone use causes a combination of physical, mental, auditory and visual distractions which can cause a severe deterioration in a driver’s ability to react to unforeseen events. Though hands-free use is not illegal in the UK, legal action can still be taken against drivers that use them if it is seen as a contributory factor in an accident.

This has led some insurers to call on drivers to switch off mobile phones altogether. They believe a campaign is needed to alert people of the risks of using hands-free kits when behind the wheel. Though conversations with fellow passengers could be distracting, using a phone is more intense because it requires greater commitment and concentration by the driver, which leads to a deterioration in performance.

How does using a mobile phone affect car insurance premiums?

Many car insurance providers are issuing an effective zero tolerance policy towards mobile phone use. According to research from the Automobile Association (AA) insurers will now issue premium increases ranging from 4.2 to 18.1 per cent for just one mobile phone usage offence. Some car insurance companies will even refuse to offer quotes altogether.

Typically, one offence will add around £40 on to a typical car insurance premium depending on the provider. Therefore, over the three-year offence period you could be paying out an extra £120 just for using your mobile phone.

The situation could get even worse if you are found to be at-fault for an accident due to mobile phone use. This could see you banned from driving altogether with insurers likely to hike premiums by more than 50 per cent.

How can you keep your car insurance premiums affordable?

The answer of course, is to switch your mobile phone off when driving. Ask yourself if it’s really essential that you take calls while on the road? If not, then make the most of your voicemail – switch it on and turn the phone off. Store it in a safe place such as the glove compartment or boot of the car so you’re not even tempted to look at messages.

A hands-free kit is preferable if you find turning your phone off impossible. Using a hands-free kit will not lead to a fine but be careful that you keep your concentration on the road. Keep conversations short and preferably only take calls in safe areas where traffic is light.

Ideally, pull over to a safe place to return a call – such as on a side road - and park up. Make it clear to other motorists that you are stopping.

If you have already committed a driving offence of any kind and are being penalised heavily by your insurer, then don’t assume there’s no solution. The differences in penalties the providers implement can be significant. So if you’re not happy with your premium check out a car insurance comparison website and see if you could find a cheaper deal elsewhere.