With Box of tricks can trap new drivers

TEENAGERS behind the wheel is a scary thought but the cost of insuring them can be even more terrifying.

Getting a black box installed in their car, which relays driving information and statistics back to the insurer, can save a packet.

The insurer then calculates the premiums based on this and can offer lower premiums if you demonstrate safe driving.

This telematics box takes account of speed, cornering, braking, acceleration and can even detect accidents.

Black box insurance sounds good for everyone, especially young and new drivers, but some readers have told me there are major flaws you need to be aware of.

18-YEAR-OLD SUE took out a black box policy because it was far cheaper than conventional insurance at the time.

In May she received a call from the insurer asking if she was OK because the black box recorded that her vehicle had been in an accident.

But Sue had not been involved in any incident on the road and explained this.

Still, two days later, the same thing happened.

Sue, from Canterbury, again explained there had been no accident. When it happened for a third time, the insurer cancelled

TOP TIPS

BEFORE taking out a black box policy, read the terms very carefully so you know what has a negative impact, such as night driving. If you have a dispute with your insurer, lodge a claim with the Financial Ombudsman Service – they have had numerous complaints.

the policy, stating the reason as the failure to report an accident.

17-YEAR-OLD JUSTIN thought it made sense for him to take out a black box policy after he passed his driving test.

After eight months he received a letter saying his premium was being increased by £3,500 due to his negative driving score.

When he looked into this it emerged that he had been penalised for driving at night, something he did four days a week because he had a night job working for Tesco.

Justin, from Leeds, is furious and says this was not clearly explained to him when he took out the policy.

19-YEAR-OLD LISA took out a black box policy and now regrets it.

Four months in, she changed her car and Lisa, from Ashford in Kent, was landed with a £100 bill from the insurer for moving the box to her new motor.

See more advice from Dean at theconsumerlawyer.blog.