Millions of motorists across the UK are at risk of invalidating their car insurance due to a little-known but costly error, according to experts. Road users caught speeding for the first time are usually offered the chance to attend a speed awareness course instead of paying fines or being hit with penalty points on their driving licence. 

The course is usually held over one day and ​​teaches individuals about the dangers of breaking speed limits. The classes are popular with road users hoping to avoid dreaded penalty points that can accrue on a licence and affect premiums. However, motorists may not be aware that failing to declare attendance on a speed awareness course to car insurance providers is also just as dangerous. 

Mark Tongue, joint CEO and founder of Select Car Leasing, stressed there were serious “legal and contractual consequences” of not disclosing details.

He said: “The reality is that some insurers might view the need to attend such a course as indicative of sub-standard driving behaviour, which could mean they charge slightly higher premiums despite the motorist having no formal penalty on their record.

“It is crucial to understand the legal and contractual consequences of nondisclosure. If your insurer specifically asks if you have attended a speed awareness course, and you fail to provide the correct information, it could invalidate your insurance policy.”

Data shows that around 1.5 million individuals sign up for speed awareness courses every year in the UK.

Experts at MoneySuperMarket stressed that motorists will not have to contact their car insurance provider and update them about attending a course. 

However, motorists must make sure they do not lie if an insurance provider specifically asks for any details around attending a speed awareness course. 

Invalidating car insurance is a serious issue, with a policy effectively becoming immediately null and void. 

It means road users will not be covered in the event of an accident and will also be travelling illegally. 

Invalidating a policy will also make you a serious red flag to other insurance firms, making it a lot harder to find and secure cover in the future. 

Mark added: "If you’re unsure whether you need to disclose your attendance at a speed awareness course, it’s best to always answer any questions with honesty to ensure any insurance you have in place remains valid and that you don’t fall foul of the law.”