Alyssa Lane
Speed awareness courses are offered to drivers in the UK as an alternative to prosecution for minor speeding offences. While the course helps drivers recognise speed limits and avoid speeding, it is unclear whether attending one affects insurance premiums. While some insurers like Admiral have been reported to increase premiums upon learning that a driver has attended a speed awareness course, others like LV= have stated that there is no need to declare attendance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurer | Admiral |
| Speed Awareness Course Affects Insurance | Yes |
| Increase in Premium | £50 |
| Rationale | Admiral's data shows that drivers who attend a speed awareness course are more likely to have an accident in the following 12 months than those who committed no offence |
| Other Insurers That Increase Premiums | LV= |
| Other Insurers That Don't Increase Premiums | LV=, Diamond, Bell |
| Course Provider | DriveTech |
| Course Cost | £80-£100 |
| Course Duration | 4 hours |
| Course Benefits | No fine, no penalty points on the licence, better understanding of the impact of driving at speed, safer driving, fewer accidents, protected no-claim discount |
| Course Drawbacks | No legal requirement for the police to offer a course, not an option for speeding offences in Scotland, may not be offered if you've taken a course in the past 3 years |
| Course Data Sharing | NDORS data is not shared with insurance companies and they have no access to it |
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What You'll Learn
Admiral's policy on speed awareness courses
Speed awareness courses are offered in the UK as an alternative to prosecution if you're caught speeding. Typically costing between £80 and £100, these courses are designed to educate drivers about speed limits, how to avoid speeding, and how to drive more safely. While completing a speed awareness course means you won't receive points on your licence or have to pay a fine, it may still impact your insurance.
Admiral, one of the major insurers in the UK, has been known to increase premiums for customers who have attended a speed awareness course. This is because Admiral claims that their data shows drivers who attend these courses are more likely to have an accident in the following 12 months than those who committed no offence. However, it's important to note that Admiral does not require drivers to declare that they've been on a speed awareness course. If you are specifically asked about it, you must answer truthfully.
While some people have reported that Admiral increased their quote after disclosing attendance at a speed awareness course, others have not experienced a price hike. It seems that Admiral's policy on this matter is inconsistent, and it may depend on various factors such as the driver's history and the company's current pricing strategies.
It's worth noting that other insurers, such as LV=, have stated that there is no need to inform them about attending a speed awareness course. However, you must disclose any points on your license or fixed penalty notices.
In summary, while there is no legal requirement to disclose speed awareness course attendance to your insurer, it is always best to check with your specific insurer as policies may vary. Being truthful and transparent is essential, and each case will be assessed individually.
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Impact on insurance premiums
There is no legal requirement for the police to offer you a speed awareness course, and you won't be able to go on one if you've already taken one in the past three years. Legally, attending a course is not a conviction, and UK Road Offender Education (UKROEd), which manages the courses on behalf of the police, states that data will not be shared with insurance companies and they have no access to it.
However, if your insurer specifically asks about attending a speed awareness course, you need to answer fully and honestly. It is also worth carefully looking at any policy renewal requirements. While there is no definitive answer, a minority of insurers do adjust premiums once notified that a driver has been on a speed awareness course, but the majority do not.
Admiral, one of the major insurers in the UK, is one of the insurers that does ask about speed awareness courses. It says its data shows that drivers who attend a speed awareness course are more likely to have an accident in the following 12 months than those who committed no offence. If you have attended a course during the year, you should probably avoid Admiral come renewal time.
If you don't turn up for a speed awareness course or arrive late, you should be able to rebook, as long as you're within the timescales set by the police. Failure to complete the course in time will mean the matter is passed back to the police, which could result in points on your licence, paying a fine, or even a court summons. Having points on your licence will increase your car insurance costs, and speeding convictions stay on your record for at least four years.
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When to inform your insurer
While speed awareness courses are offered as an alternative to prosecution, it is not mandatory for the police to offer them. If you are caught speeding, you may be offered the chance to take a speed awareness course, which will cost you around £100. This course will help you identify speed limits, recognise and resist pressure to speed, and avoid distractions. However, it is not a free pass, and you may still face consequences with your insurer.
When it comes to informing your insurer, there is no definitive answer. Some sources claim that you only need to inform your insurer if you receive points on your licence or a fixed penalty notice. Legally, attending a speed awareness course is not a conviction, and the data is not shared with insurance companies. However, if your insurer specifically asks about it, you must answer truthfully and fully. Failure to do so could result in your cover being withdrawn in the event of a claim.
It is important to note that some insurers, such as Admiral, have been known to increase premiums for customers who have attended a speed awareness course. This is because they believe that those who attend these courses are more likely to have an accident or re-offend within the following 12 months. If you are insured with Admiral and are considering a speed awareness course, it is advisable to contact them beforehand to understand how it may impact your premium.
On the other hand, some insurers may not require you to declare that you've attended a speed awareness course. For example, LV= has stated that there is no need to inform them about attending such a course. It's worth checking with your specific insurer to understand their policies and requirements.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to inform your insurer of anything that might affect their view of the risk you present as a driver. Being caught speeding or attending a speed awareness course may cause your insurer to consider you a higher risk, which could impact your premium. Each insurer will have its own criteria for assessing the cost of your car insurance, so it is essential to be transparent and provide accurate information when asked.
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Advantages of speed awareness courses
Speed awareness courses are offered in the UK if you're caught speeding. They are typically offered as an alternative to prosecution, a fine, or points on your licence. These courses are not mandatory, and you can choose to take the fine and points instead. However, there are several advantages to opting for a speed awareness course. Firstly, you won't need to pay the fine, which can be a minimum of £100, and you won't receive any penalty points on your licence. Penalty points can cause your insurance premiums to increase.
Secondly, speed awareness courses can help you alter your attitude towards excessive speed and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The courses are designed to be educational and rehabilitative, teaching you about the dangers of speeding and how to identify speed limits, recognize and resist pressure to speed, and avoid distractions. The courses are typically taught by expert trainers who use interactive and informative modules to help motorists expand their understanding of speed limits and the negative consequences of speeding.
Thirdly, speed awareness courses can be a valuable learning experience. Many people who have attended these courses have found them interesting, enlightening, and even enjoyable. The courses can make you more mindful of your speed and its impact on other road users, helping you to drive differently in the future and avoid speeding.
Finally, speed awareness courses can be more convenient than paying a fine or receiving points on your licence. The courses typically last around 3 to 4 hours, and you can choose to attend an online or in-person workshop. Online courses are usually cheaper and more flexible, while in-person sessions might be preferable for those who want a more interactive and engaging experience.
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Data sharing and privacy
However, there have been reports that Admiral, a major UK insurer, asks customers directly during the quote process whether they have attended a speed awareness course. This has raised concerns among some customers, as disclosing this information could potentially impact their insurance premiums.
According to sources, Admiral justifies its approach by claiming that their data shows drivers who attend speed awareness courses are more likely to have an accident in the following 12 months than those who committed no offence. As a result, they consider a speed awareness course as a factor in assessing the risk profile of their customers.
It is important to note that customers are obliged to answer truthfully to any questions asked by the insurer during the quote process. Failing to disclose information or providing misleading answers could be considered a breach of policy terms, potentially leading to negative consequences such as policy cancellation or declined insurance claims.
While Admiral's approach to data sharing and privacy regarding speed awareness courses has sparked discussions, it is always essential to be truthful and provide accurate information when obtaining insurance. Customers should carefully review the insurer's terms and conditions and seek clarification from the insurer if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Admiral has been known to increase premiums for customers who have attended a speed awareness course. However, they are the only major insurer in the UK to do so.
Yes, you should tell Admiral if you've attended a speed awareness course. If you don't, your cover could be withdrawn in the event of a claim.
Speed awareness courses typically cost between £80 and £100.
