Motorists who ignore the stricter laws on mobile phone use while driving could face steep increases in car insurance costs if caught and fined according to motor insurance specialist, Admiral car insurance.

UK police forces are cracking down on motorists who continue using their phone while behind the wheel and those caught doing so not only receive a £60 fine, but also get three points endorsed on their driving licence. Admiral's research reveals that this could result in premium increases of up to £100 a year for those caught.

Managing director at Admiral, Sue Longthorn, commented, "If you receive a motoring conviction, no matter what offence it is for, you must inform your car insurance company. This will often result in a higher renewal premium because evidence shows that people with motoring convictions are a higher insurance risk."

It may still be early days with the new mobile phones laws, but if you are caught by the police be aware that you will face the cost of a fine and higher premiums. Motorists should consider the full financial consequences before deciding to use their phone illegally when driving.

The level of the insurance costs is highlighted by the following example. A married male aged 28 and working as an Accountant, living in East Sussex, driving a 2003 Vauxhall Astra would pay around £245 for car insurance. If he receives a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving, the three points increase his premium by 19% to £292. If this conviction is in addition to a previous speeding fine, the six points on his licence will increase his premiums further by 42% to around £349.

The research from Admiral's Annual Survey of over 1,000 motorists found that 33% still use their mobile phones illegally while driving, down from 37% the previous year. Illegal use of a mobile phone is more common among men, with 36% saying they break the law, compared with 30% of women. Even so, 91% of motorists agree with the ban.

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