Motorists across Ireland are being cautioned to exercise extreme vigilance on the road, as penalty points, a common consequence of traffic violations, are significantly driving up car insurance costs. The revelation comes from a recent analysis conducted by Peopl Insurance, which underscores the financial ramifications of accumulating penalty points.
The study, based on a typical driver profile, found a stark correlation between penalty points and escalating insurance premiums. A motorist with just three penalty points, often accrued from a single traffic violation, could face an insurance premium increase of approximately €100, or 10%. This figure jumps drastically with the accumulation of more penalty points.
Motoring expert Ger Herbert, emphasizing the escalating nature of the penalties, explained that a driver with ten penalty points could end up paying more than double the insurance premium compared to a driver with a clean record. “If you’re a motorist with 12 points and you’re off the road, you could struggle to get insurance for up to seven years after your disqualification,” Ms Herbert warned, highlighting the severe consequences of driving with excessive penalty points.
The Cost of Ignoring Safety
Peopl Insurance further emphasized the financial implications of careless driving, stating that their research showcased how safe driving habits could potentially save motorists hundreds of euros annually. With road fatalities exceeding last year’s figures by almost 20%, the insurer highlighted the importance of deterring drivers from engaging in risky behavior by emphasizing the financial costs associated with penalty points.
“One phone call while driving could end up costing you 10pc more in motor insurance,” said Paul Walsh, spokesperson for Peopl.
Understanding the Impact
The company’s analysis, which examined a hypothetical driver of a 1.6-litre diesel Hyundai Tucson SUV residing in Tullamore, Co Offaly, revealed a substantial disparity in insurance quotes based on penalty point accumulation. A 30-year-old driver with no penalty points received the lowest quote at €965, whereas a similar driver with three points faced a premium of €1,061. A driver with ten penalty points was quoted a significantly higher €2,029, further demonstrating the significant financial impact of accumulating penalty points.
Common Offences
The top driving offences that lead to the accumulation of penalty points include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, breaking a red light, and driving as an unaccompanied learner driver. These offences, often considered minor infractions, can have substantial financial implications, potentially leading to a substantial increase in insurance premiums.
Beyond the Financial Burden
The consequences of accumulating penalty points extend far beyond financial penalties. Drivers with a substantial number of points may struggle to secure any insurance quotes at all, effectively rendering them unable to operate a vehicle.
“Drivers who gather 12 points within three years face automatic disqualification from driving,” Mr Walsh explained. “You will struggle to get an insurer to cover you if you have been disqualified from driving or have a driving conviction. Some Irish insurers may refuse to quote drivers that have been disqualified in the last seven years, while some insurers may not quote for drivers with a disqualification unless they are a current or previous customer.”
The Importance of Responsible Driving
The study serves as a stark reminder that seemingly minor driving violations can have significant long-term consequences. Motorists are encouraged to prioritize responsible driving practices, not only for the safety of themselves and others but also to avoid the substantial financial burden associated with penalty points.
The Road to Safety
The consequences of irresponsible driving on Irish roads are undeniable.
“Unsafe driving can lead to lives being lost on Irish roads in a matter of seconds,” Mr Walsh emphasized. “There are too many people being killed and seriously injured on Irish roads and every driver has a responsibility to play their part in stopping the upward trend in road crashes and preventing any more families from going through the trauma and heartache of losing a loved one, or having a loved one seriously injured.”
The stark reality of these statistics should serve as a powerful motivator for all drivers to prioritize safe driving practices and contribute to a safer environment for all road users.
