What happens if you speed with a black box?

A black box is a telematics device that collects data on how, when and where a vehicle is driven. The technology allows insurers to assess the policyholder’s risk profile and determine their insurance premiums. So rather than calculate premiums based on the driving habits of similar drivers, telematics data allows the insurer to calculate premiums based on the policyholder’s own driving performance.  

Though some motorists may be hesitant to have their driving habits monitored, black box policies are appealing, especially to young drivers, because of the potential cost savings on insurance premiums. Furthermore, knowing their driving behaviour is monitored, motorists may be more likely to drive safely and avoid taking risks like speeding.

The insurer sends the driver feedback based on their driving data and can adjust premiums accordingly or even cancel the insurance policy if their driving does not improve.    

While a black box monitors your speed, it also considers other factors such as acceleration, braking, and cornering. So, occasionally driving slightly above the speeding limit shouldn’t negatively impact your overall driving score. At most, you may receive a warning from your insurer to be more mindful of speed limits.

However, excessive or persistent speeding or engaging in unsafe driving practices may increase your premiums, and your policy could be cancelled.

Remember that speed limits are used to set the maximum speed limit you can drive on a given stretch of road. They are limits, not targets, and should not be exceeded. You should adjust your speed in challenging conditions such as bad weather and poor visibility to ensure you’re using the roads safely.    

What happens if you exceed 100 miles per hour with a black box?

Each insurer will assess driving behaviour differently. However, if you exceed 100 miles per hour, your insurer is likely to view this as extremely reckless and dangerous driving behaviour. You may receive a warning or a penalty charge, depending on your policy. Additionally, your insurance premiums are likely to increase at renewal.

In some cases, your insurer may cancel your policy if you exceed 100 miles per hour or continue engaging in dangerous driving behaviour.

Do insurers inform the police if caught speeding?

It’s unlikely that an insurer will report your speeding to the police unless they are required to do so by law. However, remember that persistent speeding can affect your driving score and could result in your policy being cancelled.

Can you trick a black box?

It is a condition of a black box policy that the device remains installed for the full policy term. Insurers rely on the data collected from the device to assess risk and calculate insurance premiums, so any data manipulation could be considered insurance fraud.

Is a black box worth it

Young motorists are more likely to be involved in an accident that results in making a claim and are often faced with high insurance premiums. A black box policy is often a more affordable option. Rather than being pooled with other drivers of similar age and experience, a black box policy allows insurers to calculate premiums based on the policyholder’s own driving habits. So the safer the policyholder drives, the more they could save on their premiums at renewal.

The device can help the policyholder improve their driving by providing valuable feedback on how they drive. As a result, the driver may be more aware of how they drive and develop safer driving habits.

Some devices can detect if the driver has been involved in an accident and provide assistance where necessary. The device also captures location data, which may help track the vehicle if it has been stolen.  

Final thoughts

Speeding is extremely dangerous and increases the likelihood of a crash or serious injury. Therefore, regardless of whether you have a black box insurance policy or not, you should always stick to the speed limit to keep you and other road users safe.

Learn more

• Speed awareness courses, everything you need to know.
• Why speed matters for the safety of our roads.
• The impact of speeding and how to become a better driver with RoSPA.