Points and insurance rates

[Pivot]

My wife got 6 points on her license for reading email, while standing still in a traffic queue behind major roadworks. This increased my insurance premium by £490, for our two cars - Porsche and BMW.

Isn’t 6 points excessive?

Should I start shopping for another insurance?

I want her to drive my car when she wants to, so taking her off the list is not an option.

[Nuclear Nick]

No, not excessive, it's the law: https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

You could get other quotes come renewal time, but obviously you'll have to declare the offence, and decide which company has the best offer for you at the time. Insurance companies take differing views on these things.

[MacanArif]

No, not excessive, it's the law: https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

You could get other quotes come renewal time, but obviously you'll have to declare the offence, and decide which company has the best offer for you at the time. Insurance companies take differing views on these things.

Agree - absolutely the right penalty, nobody should be anywhere near a phone whilst driving. I've seen so many people driving erratically because they're using a phone at the wheel. They will take your phone away if you're involved in an accident to make sure you weren't using it.

With regards to insurance you'll just have to shop around, it pays to spend some time searching rather than just going with the renewal.

[ScotMac]

I always seem to have points on my license..... always for speeding

In the past when Insurance company has increased my premium I just move to a different Insurer and get the premium back down.

Good luck.

[Pivot]

Thanks all, law is the law... I must shop around.
For the record she was standing still at the roadworks. She drives very carefully, I don’t recall her getting a traffic fine, ever. There is always a first time.

[TheTraveller]

There seems to be a very fine line, in how they deal with the law. I'm sure we've all seen someone parked up at the side of the road, dealing with a phone call. That seems to be ok. But some of the places where parked are just as bad.
Shop around for the insurance, there will always be a company that will be a little more sympathetic, as they want your custom, and money.

[pmg]

Is not the crucial item re whether an offence has technically been committed, is whether the engine is running or not? If the police are using something like a camera for evidence, that must give "Mr Loophole" scope.

Prosecutors and the police need to apply common sense if no danger involved else they lose the respect the need in the long term to operate.

[ScotMac]

I always feel that there is a lot of luck or bad luck in getting points on your license.

I also feel that a lot of police like to stop "posh cars". Perhaps we are more likely to just pay the fine.

[andreas]

Prosecutors and the police need to apply common sense if no danger involved else they lose the respect the need in the long term to operate.

They lost the respect long ago. Policing has become a quest for the easiest targets and the most lucrative fines.

[ScotMac]

Prosecutors and the police need to apply common sense if no danger involved else they lose the respect the need in the long term to operate.

They lost the respect long ago. Policing has become a quest for the easiest targets and the most lucrative fines.

Have to agree with that .....unfortunately