Keep your car insurance premiums low by leaving the sat nav alone

Many people have welcomed the introduction of satellite navigation systems, which, although fairly pricey can eliminate the worry of getting lost. One of the main driver anxieties is to get lost whilst out driving alone. With so many cars on our roads and so many people suffering from road rage it is easy to see why drivers are anxious not to end up on the wrong street.

However, every silver lining has a cloud. Extra electronic devices in a car are often likely to cause a distraction for the driver. Much like mobile phones or hands free kits, the temptation is always there to fiddle with the in car gadgetry. New studies have shown that many motorists are not taking as much care with their driving due to the distraction of their satellite navigation and as many as 1 in 10 drivers don’t set the sat nav until they’ve started driving. CoverGirl Car Insurance Services, providers of cheap car insurance for women, has these tips for lovers of in car gadgets such as sat nav:

• Always set the sat nav before you leave. Setting the programme once driving is very dangerous and will cause you to divert your attention away from the road and other road users, having a car accident could not only lead to a hefty car insurance claim but could also cause serious injury

• Remember that although you have the security of your sat nav you should always familiarise yourself with the journey first anyway. Following the instructions on your sat nav too carefully can lead to hasty decisions and carrying out manoeuvres without checking the road as carefully as you would normally

• Choose an unobtrusive sat nav. Some screens are very large and bright and can prove to be very distracting while you are driving

• If you get lost while using sat nav, pull over and work out where you are rather than fiddling with the sat nav to get yourself back on track

So whilst it may be nice to know where you’re going, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keeping safe on the road can benefit more than your health. If you are distracted and cause a car accident you’ll not only face prosecution if you injure another person, you’ll also face losing your no claims bonus. You’ll no longer be able to get cheap car insurance for women if you are responsible for an accident. It is very important to remember to always keep you eye on the road and use your sat nav as a back up rather than relying on it completely.