Victorian police have been shocked by the number of motorists who have tested positive to drug driving in the first six months of Victoria’s random drug-testing program – but insurers are still varied in their approach if the tests become a permanent fixture.

In the first six months of the 12-month trial, one in every 50 motorists has tested positive to “recreational” drugs in their systems while driving. Police initially anticipated one in 300.

An NRMA Insurance spokesman told Sunrise Exchange News the rules regarding drug-affected drivers and the implications on their insurance policies are not “black and white”.

She said drivers who test positive to drug-driving are not required to report the incident to the insurer. “We don’t ask that of our policyholders.”

But she says NRMA can technically deny a claim if a driver who is involved in an accident tests positive to drug-driving. “There are some legal issues involved with this, though, and we would technically have to prove that the drug impaired their ability to drive.”

But they’ll get them at renewal, anyway. A spokesman from parent company IAG says customers need to disclose driving offences they’ve had in the past two years when they are taking out or renewing a policy.