Female motorists caught using a mobile phone while driving face increased insurance costs on top of police action, research shows.

The AA has found drivers of both sexes could be paying out a total of £5.4 million extra every year, on top of fines of £60 each after being caught making a call while driving.

A poll of eight insurers by the association revealed some would raise the premium of an offender by as much as 18.1 per cent because of the increased risk.

AA Insurance director Simon Douglas said: "Driving while using a mobile phone places you at greater risk of having an accident - it slows reactions and you are less able to control the car."

He added many female drivers may not be aware of the extra premium and said he hoped the statistics would further discourage people who are tempted to make a call while at the wheel.

Drivers trying to use a hand held mobile phone also put themselves at risk of being charged with careless driving, which can lead to a driving ban.

It first became illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in 2003, with 999 calls the only exception, and only in circumstances when it would be unsafe or impractical for the driver to stop.

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