Using a handheld mobile could increase car insurance by 54%

Motorists risk a 54% price rise on their car insurance premiums if they're caught using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving, according to price comparison website moneysupermarket.com. They've surveyed British motorists and found that 30% admit illegally using their mobile phone while driving, with 21% saying they've written or read text messages when behind the wheel. The company says some popular motor insurers won't provide insurance quotes for drivers who've received penalty points for using a mobile, which could mean a 54% increase for a 40-year-old male driver. [Source: MoneyNews.co.uk]

BBC Watchdog criticises Carphone’s iPhone insurance

The BBC’s Watchdog programme has found staff at The Carphone Warehouse exaggerating the dangers of not having the retailer’s own iPhone insurance. A number of researchers were told they’d need to pay for a new phone and a new 18-month contract if the phone was stolen, although – unlike other handset deals – they’d actually only need a new phone because it’s sold unconnected. Carphone Warehouse said there could be an element of confusion among a few sales consultants. [Source: bbc.co.uk]