A typical £60 fine for a motorist’s first speeding offence could be quadrupled as insurance premiums rise over three years.
New research from AA insurance has warned drivers to expect severe treatment from insurers should they be caught using a hand-held device to phone, text or email while driving.
Some drivers may even be withdrawn from their cover in some circumstances.
According the AA, in the past many insurers ignored a first SP30 (speeding) offence, but as insurance companies have become more inclined to identify risks they charge premiums accordingly.
Offenders could end up paying over £200 for one speeding offence following the cost of the fine and premium increase.
Drivers that choose to take a speed awareness course will keep a clean driving licence and the total cost of the offence will be reduced. The typical cost of a speed awareness course is £90.
Director of AA insurance, Simon Douglas, said, "Those who flout the law are more likely to make a claim and their premium reflects that risk. Why should the majority of motorists who stay within the law, subsidise those who don't?
"Those who have a single speeding conviction are 10% to 12% more likely to make a claim than those who have a clean licence. Someone who picks up a second offence is 18% more likely to do so than a driver with just one. A driver caught for crossing a red traffic signal, is 20% to 25% more likely to make a claim.
"As a driver's record deteriorates, the likelihood of being involved in a crash increases."
Using a hand-held mobile phone is considered a far more serious offence than speeding, but just one or two police forces offer mobile phone awareness courses.
Attending a course is considered responsible actions by insurers as the dangers of speeding are driven home, which is believed to improve driving as a result.
Mr Douglas did point out that drivers that offend again are not offered the second chance to attend a course and they will be fined and see their premiums increase.
