Northern Ireland car insurance customers have again been reminded that getting behind the wheel after a festive tipple "just isn't worth it". As well as facing heavy penalties on their motor insurance premiums, drinkers found driving – or attempting to drive – could end up with a year-long ban from the roads.

According to Money Supermarket, drink drivers in Northern Ireland who are caught can expect their annual car insurance premiums to go up by 75 per cent on average. However, some motor insurance providers won't even quote to insure individuals with a conviction.

"Of course we all want to get into the Christmas spirit at this time of year but drink driving costs lives," said Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at the comparison site. "The rules of the road are there for a reason; motorists who get in a car having consumed alcohol will find that their reaction times, co-ordination and judgement will be impaired – making them a danger not only to themselves but also to other motorists and pedestrians too."

Research suggests that hitting the road after consuming twice the legal limit means a motorist is 30 times more likely to cause a crash.