How Drinking Affects Car Insurance

We all know the dangers of driving after drinking alcohol for both ourselves and other motorists - but what affect could being caught drunk behind the wheel have on our car insurance? According to research by the AA, four in five UK motorists believe they have driven the morning after a night's drinking even though the level of alcohol in their blood was likely to be too high for them to drive legally. Its online poll also found that around half of all Brits know someone who drinks and drives.

However, while we might think that we can get away with our actions and that we're unlikely to cause an accident, the chances are that if we are caught it will have a serious affect on our car insurance premiums.

Research by a car insurance comparison website shows that a one year ban for drink driving can increase insurance premiums by as much as 100 per cent with some providers. If you are caught out and fined for a single offence some insurers may still hike your premiums.

The message to drivers is clear - if you want to keep your car insurance premiums affordable, you must stay within the legal limit. Even morning-after drivers who may not be deliberately committing an offence are just as likely to be banned from driving as night-time drink drivers.

The consequences of being involved in an accident while drink-driving can be even more disastrous for your car insurance premiums. Even if your insurer takes a relaxed approach to one offence, you will instantly wipe out a no-claims discount which could save as much as 70 per cent over five years.

As a result drivers are urged to prepare for their drive home before they attend a party and when they are in a fit state of mind. Arrange for a member of your group to be a designated driver, or alternatively make arrangements to leave your vehicle somewhere while you take a taxi home or stay in accommodation overnight.

If you have been involved in a drink-driving accident and have seen your car insurance premiums rise, compare car insurance online to see if you could find a cheaper policy elsewhere.