What is a Speed Awareness Course?
As part of the National Speed Awareness Scheme, Speed Awareness Courses were created to help educate drivers who have been caught speeding (but not excessively) and are offered at the discretion of the local police authority as there is an alternative to paying a fixed penalty fine and getting points on your driving licence.
The courses are organised by members of the Association of National Driver Improvement Course Providers and they ensure that the courses meet the required standards.
When will you be offered this option?
Ultimately it is up to the local police authority as to whether an offender is offered a place on a Speed Awareness Course. A number of factors will be taken into account before they make the decision, some of which are shown below.- Your speed was not excessively over the speed limit for the road
- You must not have been on a Speed Awareness Course within the last 3 years
- Your did not commit the offence in a 20mph zone
- The local police authority considers that the course option is appropriate
If the course option is deemed appropriate you will be sent a letter asking you which option you want to take, which you will then have to reply to within a stated time frame. If you do not reply within this time frame then you will automatically receive your fixed penalty notice in the normal way.
If you choose to accept the course option, you will be sent a list of possible dates at one or more local venues. Once again if you fail to accept or attend (without a very good reason) then you will automatically receive the fixed penalty notice and points. Turning up late to the course will also be treated as a failure to attend.
Is there a fee for the course?
You will be charged a fee of typically between £60 to £100 for the course. Bearing in mind that you will receive a fixed penalty notice of around £60 anyway and that the points will remain on your licence for 4 years - it makes sense to take up their offer.What can I expect when I attend
The courses are generally relaxed and informal. Despite attendance being compulsory, participation in the discussion sessions is not - although it is encouraged. They usually consist of groups of 10 - 20 people, all of which have committed minor speeding offences similar to yours.The topics covered by the course include:-
- The dangers of driving at excessive speeds
- Increasing your awareness of the different speed restrictions for different types of road
- Choosing the correct speed for the road conditions ie. stopping distances etc.
- Interpreting road signs and road markings
When you get there
Be sure to allow plenty of time to get there, because you may not be allowed to enter if you are late, or be given another chance to attend.Don't forget to bring your driving licence - this includes both the photo card and the paper counterpart licence.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation. Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
