You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.
More experienced drivers are likely to （）
A. abide by law and seldom lie
B. be caught by using cellphone while driving
C. drive without a seatbelt
D. drive after being in liquor
