Cost of speed cameras revealed

SPEED camera fines can bump up motorists' insurance premiums by up to £800, new research shows today.

Just one offence - resulting in three penalty points on a licence - now routinely sees a driver's premium leap by up to 20%.

And the number of motorists caught in the insurance trap is rising sharply, in line with the proliferation of 'spy devices'.

The clampdown is hitting thousands of drivers in the pocket when they renew their policies in what motoring organisations are calling a 'double whammy'. The figures graphically illustrate the cost of being caught on camera:

Even a mature motorist - for instance, a 32-year-old office-worker driving a Ford Focus and paying only £374 a year - faces a rise of £74, taking the annual bill to £448.

A 38-year-old male accountant living in north London could see his annual £500 premium leap by 30% to £650 after being caught speeding twice.

But a 30-year-old man driving a BMW 328 and paying £1,000 is likely to be hit with an 80% increase if caught three times - leaving him with a premium of £1,800.

The extra costs were analysed for the Evening Standard by Confused.com, a free service to consumers, which compared 1,800 quotes from 32 insurers. Its managing director Kate Armstrong said: 'A good many insurers see a direct link between even one speeding offence and an increased likelihood of accidents and claims.'

More than a quarter of internet-based insurers refuse cover for drivers with two convictions, and 42% refuse to take on drivers with two convictions or more.

For couples who have more than five convictions between them, the percentage of insurers refusing cover is nearly eight in 10 firms.

AA spokeswoman Rebecca Rees said: 'It is a double whammy, with motorists facing more costs on top of the fine. But obviously insurers have to base their quotes on risk. One way to make sure you keep your costs down is to ensure you stay within the law.'

Useful links