How will the zero per cent alcohol law affect your insurance premiums?

Currently, drivers are allowed less than 0.05 gram per 100 millilitres concentration of alcohol in the blood and soon will be reduced to zero. Although there is still no indication that the act will be enforced as per the proposed schedule, once it does take effect motorist can expect a change in their insurance contracts.

While it is well documented that in the past some insurers have refused claims if the driver was proven to be under the influence during an incident, the new act could make this a more common trend across the board. Also, drivers with drink-driving conviction on their records can expect insurance premiums to go up while in some instances it could result in the refusal of cover altogether. The reasoning will be that should you have failed to comply in the past, you are less likely to obey the new act.

 It can be expected that insurers will be implementing more thorough assessments with prospective and current policyholders in regards to their lifestyle.  Clients that can prove that they are abstemious with alcohol could see a reduction in premiums, whereas those that are yet to kick the habit could suffer the opposite. Being dishonest during these assessments or a claim could result in the insurer rendering all your cover invalid.

This new act, however, does provide the insurers with new opportunities to communicate through their usual channels the dangers of driving under the influence and the facts surround alcohol in your bloodstream. This new act could also see more insurers building stronger relationships with take-me-home services and app-hailed taxi providers for better prices and improved policy benefits.