Forum

[sofiaspin]

I recently picked up another SP30 thanks to the tax-grabbing government that punishes otherwise law abiding tax paying folk who breach 30mph speed limit cameras. The result is RH Insurance want to DOUBLE my premium. I have two classic bikes and the modern Enfield appears to be the problem - anyone got a suggestion on an outfit that can provide one rider policy and not want to beat us up over speeding fines?!

[Exile]

Just a thought.. but.. being within the EU, shop around outside of the UK.. I don't think it necessarily has to be a British insurance company that insures you..

[Mark M]

Firstly, you know the law. You can't pick and choose which bits to obey so take it like a man! Having said that, I'm surprised that your Insurer is hiking the price, most don't bother with minor speeding fines anymore, I'm with Carole Nash and when I got an SP30 last year (watch out for unmarked black BMWs on the A34 near Winchester!) and called them to advise they said, thanks for the information but it makes no difference to us. My licence was otherwise clean but I don't think that was the difference.
REgards, Mark

[MadMike]

Taking Mark's point I also had an SP30 added to my licence on 2 occasions, but not both on at the same time. The first time I was with CN and the second time with Peter James (my current insurer for classics and a modern). Neither added anything to my premiums for the SP30. I also advised my car insurers at the time and neither of them increased my premiums. So that begs a couple of questions, what else has occured like accidents etc and how many other endorsments and points do you have on your licence? I accept that in both of my cases I was speeding and have no complaints about the nice man in the unmarked car, coincidentally also on the A34 at Winchester but it was a silver Beemer, or the camera that got me last time. Tax grabbing government......not at all. Yopu/I/we can all avoid the fines and cut the revenue stream by simply not exceeding the speed limits. Simples.

[MadMike]

MadMike again here, I just realised SS that you said in your message, ".......I recently picked up another SP30......." So once again how often has this happened? It must be in the same 3 year period otherwise you would simply had to go on the Speed Awareness course which you still pay for but pick up no points.

[PeteF]

Not quite true Mike, not in my area anyway.
Speed awareness courses are only available to SP 30 breakers up to a certain speed (I think it's 36) anything over that and it's points and fine.
Most insurers will ignore one SP30 but if you keep doing it I can see their point.

[Midge]

Unfortunately insurance is ultimately about risk. A convicted speeder (whatever the circumstances) will increase the risk. However, it is a good idea to shop around at renewal time. I understand sofia being upset but ultimately the throttle is in the riders control.

[apparently lucky eddie]

Speaking as a father who once saw his 8 year old daughter thrown 10 feet up and about 30 feet forwards by a motorist who swore he was n't speeding in a 20 mph zone past a primary school but still could n't stop, I'd join the IAM and learn to ride within the speed limits and curb the testosterone. Then I'd give the friendly folk at Bennetts a call and eat a good portion of umble pie. And no, I've never had a speeding ticket in 40 odd years.

[MadMike]

PeteF, the Speed Awareness Course scheme is a national scheme and the rules are the same throughout the country. Indeed you can get caught anywhere in the country and then take the course in your home town. You are correct there is a threshold that if crossed will result initially in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued and it is 30+10%+3=36mph. The SA Course is one option offered after you return the notice confirming you are the driver/rider. Then there is an absolute maximum threshold at which the SA Course is not an option and you automatically get 3 points and a fixed penalty fine, and that as I recall is 43 or 44mph. I did my last SA Course after being camera'd at 41mph. However if you have a fixed penalty fine or have attended a SA Course in the last 3 years then the fixed penalty and fine will apply with no offer of the course. Hence my earlier question when did SS last get an SP30 etc. Like I said earlier the simple answer is not to exceed the posted speed limit. I have no sympathy with anybody who gets caught, even though I have been cught before, as the whole process only comes into play if you "break the law". Rightly or wrongly a speed limit is a speed limit.

[sofiaspin]

If you want to see an example of how to take it like a man go and see 'Rush', brilliant Ron Howard film about the duel between Hunt and Lauda. After 35 blemish-free years I used to take a holier than thou attitude towards pals stupid enough to get points. Now, after 9 in 15 months - all because I accelerated to avoid an accident - I am less Holy and significantly out of pocket. Mea Culpa. But thanks for the suggestion ref Bennetts. And be careful out there chaps cos the Govt does want your money, whatever you think.