Are insurers penalising drivers for attending speed awareness courses?

I recently attended a speed awareness course as an alternative to three points on my licence and a fine for 36mph in a 30mph limit in a London "hotspot". Contrary to expectations, I found the four-hour course interesting, informative and educational even after over 45 years of motoring. However, I am concerned to discover that insurance companies are apparently asking the question on their proposal enquiry form: "have you attended a speed awareness course?"

I suppose they are entitled to ask what questions they like, but this seems to me rather unfair. Granted, one is obliged to notify the insurance company if one has been penalised by the aforementioned points and fine, but presumably they intend bracketing those attending such a course with the same hike in premiums. There is a case, in my view, for a reduction in premium owing to one's new-found education in motoring matters.

Asked on 26 January 2013 by JB, Maidstone

Answered by Honest John
I am advising any reader faced with such idiocy by their insurer to seek alternative cover at a lower premium at renewal time. Obviously if, in spite of the additional loading, they can't get a cheaper quote, then try to bargain with the insurer as everything is negotiable these days.
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