Caught speeding

FunnyMunny

I have been caught by a speed trap camera doing 35mph in a 30 zone. I've been offered the option of a speed awareness course, with no points on my licence. I've just sent the form off, confirming that I was the driver and hope they'll put me on the course (most likely will).

I'm not sure if I have to inform my insurance company at this stage. What about if I complete the course ok and don't have any points on my license, do I still have to tell them?

I've looked all around their website and at the policy documents, but they don't clarify this as far as I can see.

AdrianC

Any question they ask, you have to answer honestly.
The only insurer who are known to ask about speed awareness courses is Admiral (and their other brands). There is no known way that any insurer can obtain information from the national course scheme about past attendance - but that does not mean you have carte blanche to lie.

Any question that isn't asked, you do not have to volunteer information.
A course is an alternative to prosecution, so you do not have to give information about it if you are asked about prosecutions.

FunnyMunny

Ok thanks. I am indeed trying to be honest here, but importantly, to avoid oversharing with them stuff they don't need to know, which can also work against me.

So, are you saying that at this stage I don't have to tell them anything?

Nasqueron

If you are offered the course in the initial letter and you reply to say you will do that rather than the points then they will send you on the course, it's not a matter of hoping they will put you on there - it's your choice.

If your insurer does not ask about a SAC then you do not need to tell them, if they do (the Admiral group), you need to. SAC is meant to be separate from prosecution and points which you do have to declare

FunnyMunny

The only reason I said "hoping" is because the form says that ticking the box doesn't guarantee that I'll be offered it. AFAIK though, people are always offered it if it's on the original FPN, so this shouldn't be a problem.

I'm not with Admiral, so that's not a problem either. I've heard bad things about their customer service years ago so steer clear of them and their brands anyway.

AdrianC

FunnyMunny wrote: »

The only reason I said "hoping" is because the form says that ticking the box doesn't guarantee that I'll be offered it.

Because until they know for definite who was driving, they don't know if the driver is eligible or not - they might have already done a course within the last few years.

FunnyMunny

Thanks Adrian, that's reassuring.

arcon5

Id opt for the course and wouldn't tell any insurer who asked or not. Your details are not shared with insurers or the like.

Nasqueron

FunnyMunny wrote: »

The only reason I said "hoping" is because the form says that ticking the box doesn't guarantee that I'll be offered it. AFAIK though, people are always offered it if it's on the original FPN, so this shouldn't be a problem.

I'm not with Admiral, so that's not a problem either. I've heard bad things about their customer service years ago so steer clear of them and their brands anyway.

As per comment above, you get one course in a three year period, if you have not been on a course before or in the last three years you will get it, once they know the driver

Car_54

arcon5 wrote: »

Id opt for the course and wouldn't tell any insurer who asked or not. Your details are not shared with insurers or the like.

Just to be clear, are you encouraging the OP to commit fraud?

Also, the information may not be shared at present, but it might well in future.

FunnyMunny

[quote=[Deleted User];71492911]Just to be clear, are you encouraging the OP to commit fraud?

Also, the information may not be shared at present, but it might well in future.[/QUOTE]
Yes, quite. Believe me, if the insurance company's FAQ had said they wanted to know about this, I would have told them straight away and not even started this thread. Of course, it's in their interest to simply say nothing about this and let people overshare.

Obviously, one must never lie to an insurer, as this is exactly what they want you to do so that they can wriggle out of paying a claim.