Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

People in the UK may find that they are hit with punishments three times for being caught smoking behind the wheel, it has been reported.

The penalty for lighting up in the car includes a £60 fine and three points added to a driving licence, according to comparison service Confused.com.

However, drivers may also find that they pick up an increased car insurance bill in the future, as cover companies may consider them a hazard on the road.

It added that young drivers are particularly prone to seeing costs increase, as their policies could go up as much as 31 per cent for two convictions.

According to Debra Williams, managing director of the firm, motor convictions spell "bad news" for motor insurance premiums.

"Time will tell which insurers increase or decrease the level to which they penalise those caught smoking while driving," she said.

Department for Transport legislation saw the penalties for being caught using a mobile phone increased to a £60 fine and three licence points in February.

© Adfero Ltd