Speed Awareness Course or Points

[Deleted User]

I have to decide whether to do a speed awareness course or pay the fine and take the points.

I understood that you didn't have to declare it to the insurance company if you took the course but apparently you do to a rising number of insurers because you've still committed an offence and the course doesn't negate that i.e. you are a risk on the roads.

What are other people's thoughts? Anyone know for sure? If I take the points how much is my insurance likely to go up? I'm with Lloyds and I tend to change every year.

spadoosh

I seem to be a bit of an anomaly with insurers.

My insurance has gone down every year since ive been driving.

I had an at fault accident after a couple of years (under 25) and it reduced upon renewal. I had a non fault accident a few years later and it reduced. Then i got caught speeding (not offered the course) and once again upon renewal my insurance dropped.

At one point when i was about 24 and had an accident under my belt my GF was looking for insurance and was getting quotes of x amount. I occasionally used her car (fully comp through my insurance) so she tried adding me as a named driver, it reduced her premium by £20 per year.

Im always as honest as im aware of as i can imagine its not worth the trouble.

I do believe though the course generally is better for your pocket than taking the points. Not sure which insurers require you to declare speed awareness course but there are still a number who dont.

I tried to hire a van a few years ago and they asked about points, eventually managed to get it but remember it being a bit more hard work (dont htink its the case now) and i use a company car and had to declare to them/the insurer that i had points on my licence. It doesnt affect the premium as its insured for anyone but those who have poiints need to declare?!

BJV

My OH did the course rather than take the points. I think if it was my choice I would do the course but tell your insurance company. Some may take it into consideration some may not.

As for how much your insurance would go up with points ???? It is impossible to say as there are so many other factors. Driving history, postcode, type of car, age. etc

The only comments my OH made was that he felt while it was a good course there where some people who had been offered the course for speeding at 95 MPH on the motorway and some who had like him been caught at 35 on a duel carriage away from built up areas. While I agree speeding is speeding no matter what it did seem a little unfair.

Herzlos

I think it's only the Admiral group ask about courses.

I just can't comprehend why you'd take the points over the course:
You'd need to pay the fine any way
You'd need to declare the points anyway
You'd then have 3 less points to lose later
You may not be offered a course 2nd time round
You might actually learn something.

The only reason I can see for not taking the course is if you earned so much that the few hours off work cost you more than the insurance hikes would do, with no concern about losing your license later.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for those speedy replies. I'm inclined to do the course. I suppose I can't complain I was speeding although I thought it was a bit unfair as it was a short part of the A127 that was reduced to 40 miles and I was doing 47. Hey ho.

Pennysmakepounds

Beremy wrote: »

Thanks for those speedy replies. I'm inclined to do the course. I suppose I can't complain I was speeding although I thought it was a bit unfair as it was a short part of the A127 that was reduced to 40 miles and I was doing 47. Hey ho.

Do the course.

I had the exact same thing happen to me on a road in Sheffield, the whole road is 50 except for a 1/4 mile stretch at a junction.

Guess what i was doing 46 :mad: and had to do the course as it was my first offence in over 20 years :rotfl:.

catfunt

Yes, do the course, 100%

You never know if you might need the headroom of 3 less points on your licence at a later time.