Drivers hoping to reduce their insurance costs by installing a little black box in their car need to watch out for fees of up to £90 if they later want it removed.
When you sign up to black box insurance, a specialist fits a computer the size of a smartphone under your dashboard.
This uses telematics technology to track your driving habits.
On the box: Increasing numbers of motorists ¿ particularly young drivers and women ¿ have turned to black box insurance in recent monthsThe idea is that you are rewarded for driving safely. If you speed, brake suddenly or regularly drive at night, you are likely to see an increase in your premiums.
More... Make young learn for a year and only drive in the day: Insurers pledge to cut premiums by £360 if young drivers face tough new rules How to get the cheapest car insurance: Ten tips for cheaper car cover How younger drivers can beat the car insurance trap - and even drive a more exciting car Find a cheaper car insurance dealIncreasing numbers of motorists — particularly young drivers and women — have turned to black box insurance in recent months in a desperate attempt to protect their pocket against soaring premiums.
It is free to have the technology installed in your car because this is built into the cost of your premiums.
However, it has emerged that some insurers will charge a costly fee if you decide you want to have it removed later down the line.
The AA and Co-operative Bank charge drivers £90 to disconnect the box. Insure The Box says it charges customers up to £50. Direct Line, on the other hand, does not charge any removal costs.
Customers can ask their insurer to simply turn off the box and leave it in their car — its size means it isn’t intrusive.
But if you switch to another telematics provider, you will need to have another box installed because each uses slightly different technology.