When must you tell your insurer about penalty points?
The information in this article is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
The information in this article is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
Check your policy’s notification terms and understand how to disclose new points or a driving ban.
When do I have to declare my conviction to my insurer?
Take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions accurately about unspent convictions, points and bans. Check the policy for changes you must report before renewal. Spent convictions generally do not need to be disclosed for ordinary motor insurance, even when asked. If the question or your conviction’s status is unclear, get advice before answering.
If you gave an incorrect answer, tell the insurer promptly. An omission does not automatically make every policy void or amount to fraud. The outcome depends on the questions, the care taken and what the insurer would have done with the correct information. See the Financial Ombudsman’s guidance.
Do not assume you may wait until renewal. Check the notification clause and contact the insurer if you are unsure. A fixed penalty can include points; it is not generally a points-free alternative.
| What can affect the premium | How to assess it |
|---|---|
| Conviction type, date, points and any ban | Insurers assess convictions differently; points alone do not determine a fixed percentage increase. |
| Driver, vehicle, mileage and claims history | Request accurate quotes using the same cover and excess to compare prices. |
| Disclosure requirements | Answer the insurer’s questions accurately; misrepresentation can affect cover or a claim. |
What happens if you don’t tell insurance about it?
If you gave an incorrect answer, tell the insurer promptly. An omission does not automatically make every policy void or amount to fraud. The outcome depends on the questions, the care taken and what the insurer would have done with the correct information. See the Financial Ombudsman’s guidance.
When do I need to let my insurer know if I’ve been banned from driving?
Contact the insurer promptly about the ban and ask what cover remains for the vehicle and other named drivers. A ban does not automatically void every policy for everyone, but you must not drive while disqualified. Do not stop payments without checking the insurance and any finance agreement.
Check the policy’s notification clause immediately. Do not assume you may wait until renewal to report a ban or new points. If in doubt, ask the insurer to confirm what you must report and when.
Compare insurance options for drivers with points
Legal implications
If you gave an incorrect answer, tell the insurer promptly. An omission does not automatically make every policy void or amount to fraud. The outcome depends on the questions, the care taken and what the insurer would have done with the correct information. See the Financial Ombudsman’s guidance.
Driving without valid insurance is a separate offence. Do not drive if you cannot establish that the required cover is in place.
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How will points affect my car insurance?
There is no fixed percentage or cash increase that applies to everyone. Insurers consider the offence, driving history, vehicle, address, use and other factors. A historic average cannot predict your quote, and some insurers may decline. Compare current personalised quotes for suitable cover.
Penalty points and young or new drivers
A new driver’s licence can be revoked after six or more points within two years of passing the first test. Check the licensing process and your entitlement before driving. Age and experience may also affect insurance quotes, but they do not create a single fixed premium increase.
Can a course be offered instead of points?
An eligible driver may be offered a speed-awareness course instead of the usual speeding penalty. The police decide whether to offer it; it is not a general right. A speeding fixed penalty normally includes points. See the official speeding-penalty guidance.
How could I get potentially cheaper car insurance if I have penalty points?
Compare premiums alongside cover, exclusions, compulsory and voluntary excess and any instalment interest. Specialist insurers and brokers may help, but are not automatically cheaper. Use accurate mileage and vehicle-use details. Only add a genuine named driver, identify the main driver correctly and choose an excess you can afford.
Ask before paying for an additional driving course just to seek a discount. Neither an alarm, garage, course nor telematics policy guarantees a lower premium for every driver.
