New research has revealed how being caught under the influence of drink or drugs while behind the wheel can impact your car insurance prices. According to the figures, costs can double or even quadruple in some cases if you’re convicted of drink or drug driving.

The median comprehensive car insurance price for a driver with no convictions sits at £413. For a driver convicted of drink driving, the median cost is more than doubled to £857. The rise is even greater for those with a drug-driving conviction on their record, jumping by almost £1,300 to £1,705. That’s nearly double the price for those with a drink-driving conviction and quadruple the cost for those with no convictions.

The numbers come from Go.Compare Car Insurance, which reviewed its internal sales figures to identify the extra costs facing drivers who are convicted of these offences. The results highlight that, as well as creating an enormous safety risk, driving under the influence can also have significant financial consequences.

The car insurance comparison site published the figures alongside its analysis of Department For Transport data, which showed that drug driving collisions are on the rise. It hopes that the increase in insurance costs removes any lingering doubt in drivers’ minds over whether they should drive in such a condition.

Overall, drug-related collisions across Britain were up by 9% in 2023 compared to a year earlier, and increased by 14% since 2021. Only three regions across the country reported a decline in drug driving collisions between 2023 and 2022, with the remaining eight all recording a rise.

The largest increase was in the North West, where the number rose from 182 incidents in 2022 to 265 in 2023 – a jump of 46%. The East of England saw the second-largest spike, with a 17% increase in collisions, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (+15%) and London (+12%). The West Midlands, South East, South West and Scotland also reported year-on-year rises.

Drug-driving collision trends by region:

Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at Go.Compare, said: “This data highlights the scale of drug driving in the UK and that, worryingly, it’s a growing problem in many parts of the country. The sharp increase in the North West is particularly concerning, with those who choose to take drugs and drive putting not only their safety at risk, but also the safety of other road users.

“In some cases, drivers with a drug-driving offence might struggle to secure car insurance at all. And with convictions staying on a licence for 11 years, the long-term impact on finances can be substantial. I would urge drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.”

More information and statistics about drug driving in the UK can be found on Go.Compare’s website.