Motorists have been warned that car insurance premiums could be significantly affected by drink driving convictions.According to insurer Norwich Union, offenders are likely to find it difficult to secure a cheap deal as a conviction "will seriously impact your premium".

However, spokesperson Erik Nelson warned against the temptation to conceal such a record, saying: "As a reminder, if a motorist fails to declare their convictions they risk their motor insurance policy becoming void in the event of a claim. Honesty is always the best policy!"

This follows a report last year by the Motor Insurers' Bureau that found drivers without insurance are ten times more likely to have a drink driving conviction, as well as being six times more likely to drive an unsafe vehicle.

And the AA recently found that the average premium now costs £682, an increase of six per cent compared to a year ago