Why would smokers need to pay higher premiums than other drivers? I'm not condoning the practise of smoking by any stretch of the imagination, however, I am intrigued to the reasons this would be a risk factor in the premia calculations.

Do car insurance companies expect that smokers might instantly die of lung cancer at the wheel, careering off into oncoming traffic? Is this a regular occurrence? Do they have data that states 1in 5 drivers who smoke will cause a major accident as they inadvertently suffocate while driving?

I can understand why they assess young drivers as a greater risk. I understand why they assess drivers who've had previous motor vehicle accidents as risky. But I just don't get this. Next they'll be increasing your premiums because you have a Plasma TV in your north facing living room.

Hang on! I've just worked it out. Maybe, while they're smoking they accidentally drop their cigarettes in their car and they end up burning the whole vehicle. Probably more risk there....

Read this funny little article.