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Why is Direct Line increasing my husband's insurance premium after I was caught speeding?

We are a retired couple who own two cars, both of which have been insured by Direct Line for many years. I am the named driver on my husband's policy, and he is the named driver on mine. I recently received an SP30 conviction for speeding - the first in 40 years of driving. My husband's policy, which has just come up for renewal, has risen from £376pa to £700. On querying this, Direct Line says that it would have gone up to £485 anyway, but the other £215 is because of my 3-point conviction, even though I am only a named driver. Direct Line has also confirmed that when I come to renew my own policy, I will see a similar hike.

Considering how many millions of people have three points on their licence (my husband has none!), it seems to me quite extraordinary that Direct Line will in effect be charging me £215 plus an unspecified amount on my own car plus an increase in excess of over £200, for my misdemeanour. I am not querying my conviction - I should not have been speeding - but I do resent being taken for a ride by Direct Line.

Asked on 18 February 2012 by CR, Hunstanworth

Answered by Honest John
I'm afraid that is how Direct Line operates. It was one of the first insurers to savagely penalise policyholders for minor speeding convictions. Next time, shop around. Try Liverpool Victoria.
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