Mobile phone drivers face larger insurance premium

Insurance companies could hold the key to stamping out the scourge of drivers using their mobile phones without a hands free kit.

Information from the AA shows that many insurance companies have increased the premium paid by drivers convicted of driving while on the phone by 18.1% year-on-year, which could generate an additional £5.4 million each year for insurers.

Half of the eight insurers quizzed by the Association also stated they would refuse insurance for any driver convicted of careless driving as a result of using their phone, while the remainder increased premiums by up to 50.5% year-on-year.