In a search for car insurance I called Admiral. The agent asked if I had been on any speed awareness courses – I wasn’t quick enough to decline to answer. When I said “yes” the quote increased by £50. The whole point of the courses is that they are an alternative to prosecution – and no record is kept. My course provider, DriveTech, says it does not share details as it is information not in the public domain. JP, by email
As far as we know, Admiral is the only insurer that asks this – certainly the majority of other big-name firms only ask for convictions. Admiral says its data shows that drivers who attend a speed awareness course are more likely to have an accident in the following 12 months than those who committed no offence. “A speed awareness course will impact the premium, but shouldn’t impact it as much as a speeding endorsement,” it says.
It is clear – if you have attended a course during the year you should probably avoid Admiral come renewal time.
Note: always be truthful, but only say that you’ve been on such a course if you are asked. Are readers aware of any other insurer doing this? Email the usual address.
We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number
