Convictions for driving whilst using a mobile phone are set to start affecting car insurance premiums after Allianz insurance announced they will begin treating mobile phone use offences on a par with dangerous driving.

Allianz are to become the first insurers to increase premiums by 30 per cent for drivers who have been pulled over by police for using their phones whilst driving a vehicle.

Motor manager with Allianz, Neil Walker, said, “Increasing premiums for drivers with mobile phone convictions reinforces the fact that this is a dangerous and needless act. If you are convicted of using a mobile phone while driving, not only do you face a fine and points on your licence, you will also suffer the added financial burden of increased motor insurance.”

Statistics have shown that people aged between 17 and 34 years old are more likely to offend than those over the age of 55, whilst 58 per cent of all drivers admit to mobile phone use causing the most disruption whilst driving.