Insurance policies could go up in smoke for vape-drivers

 Vape-driving is an increasing trend on the roads that’s causing concern within insurance circles over safety for motorists. Aside from the distractions of multi-tasking while driving, vapour clouds from electronic cigarettes or other smoking devices pose a real risk to reduced visibility in the car.

As a result of the concern, insurance and safety specialists are warning that policies could become void if a resulting claim comes from an accident caused by a driver vaping. In research undertaken by car lease specialist, AMT, another potential for the future is is a policy price hike for people who vape.

A spokesperson for specialist insurance broker Carbon said: “There could be exclusions written into some insurance policies in the future – particularly as the number of people who vape increases. Vaping is gradually becoming more socially acceptable, and so is more likely to become a factor in insurance claims.

“Even though our panel of insurers doesn’t currently ask whether drivers vape when they’re looking for a quote, it may well be something that gets asked in the near future.”

The further research follows police warnings last year that vaping in your car could result in a £2500 fine or more, and could result in eight penalty points on your licence.

General manager of AMT, Ian Wright, explains: “With driver distraction already contributing towards a third of crashes on UK roads, AMT is urging drivers to simply avoid vaping at the wheel; partly to benefit the safety of all Britain’s 33 million motorists, and partly to avoid having an insurance policy voided when it’s needed most.”