Drinkers will pay the price
DRINK-DRIVE offenders now face having to pay almost double the usual cost to insure their cars, according to a price comparison website.
And some insurance firms are refusing to offer cover to the worst offenders, claims moneysupermarket.com.
In a stark warning in the run up to the Christmas party season, spokesman Steve Sweeney says: “We are all guilty of letting our hair down with a sneaky tipple to get into the festive spirit, but if you are planning on drinking it is essential to have adequate travel arrangements to get you home.
“Driving under the influence is simply not an option and anyone planning to do so will have serious consequences to face. On top of a massive hike in insurance premium costs, any convicted motorist is likely to find it difficult to obtain insurance.
“What’s more, a conviction could lead to a £1,000 fine, a 12-month driving ban and even a possible 12-month prison sentence. It’s simply not worth taking the risk.”
Research carried out by the website reveals that a 40-year-old man fined £1,000 and banned for 12 months for drink-driving faces paying an average £578 for cover, compared with the standard cost of £300.
“Some of the big-name insurers will not even return a quote and will refuse to insure a motorist convicted of drink driving,” adds Mr Sweeney.
