Forgot to tell your insurer about points? What to do
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.
How to correct insurance information, check cover and understand the possible consequences.
What happens if I don’t tell them?
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.
| 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. |
How will the insurance company find out that I have points on my licence?
When you apply for car insurance the insurer can, with your permission, check with the DVLA who have up-to-date information about you, including any driving convictions.
What if I don’t give them permission to check?
Ask the insurer what information it needs and how it will use it. If it cannot complete required checks, it may be unable to offer cover. Refusing a check does not establish dishonesty, and does not remove the need to answer insurance questions accurately.
Compare insurance options for drivers with points
Can I pay to have the points removed?
No, there is no way that you can pay to have the points removed.
They will stay on your licence until the DVLA removes them at the appropriate time.
Is there any way to stop the points from going on my licence?
A speed-awareness course may be offered instead of the usual speeding penalty when the police consider you eligible. You cannot demand one. A speeding fixed penalty normally includes points; it is not a way to avoid them. Check the GOV.UK guidance.
How long does it take for points to show up on my licence?
There is no universal 28-day period after a Department for Transport notice. Check the notice or court outcome and your DVLA driving record. Contact the relevant authority if information appears wrong.
Find better convicted driver insurance deals for you
Quotezone helps thousands of drivers get insurance that suits their needs every year.
Reviews shown are for Quotezone. Search powered by Quotezone.
How much will my insurance go up if I have points?
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.
Is there any way that I can bring my insurance premium amount down?
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.
How can I check the endorsements on my driving licence?
You can check the endorsements that you have on your licence online.
| Online | https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/how-to-check-your-endorsement-details |
| DVLA | https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driver-licensing |
Can I appeal the points on my licence?
The route depends on the stage of the case. Follow the notice or court appeal process and its deadline, and seek advice if unsure. Respond truthfully to any request to identify the driver. Do not ignore a notice or assume DVLA can overturn a conviction.
A failed challenge can involve costs or a different penalty; there is no universal rule that it adds three points. For insurance, correct any inaccurate answer promptly and ask the insurer to confirm your cover.
