How can 6 penalty points affect car insurance?
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.
Understand insurance quotes and disclosure with six points, including the new-driver revocation rule.
Do I have to tell my insurer that I have points?
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.
How would they find out if I don’t tell them?
An insurer may ask you to share your driving-record information or provide a DVLA check code. Ask how it will obtain and use the information if you are unsure. Answer the application questions accurately; a lack of an immediate check does not remove that responsibility.
How can points affect car insurance?
| Factor | What it means for your quote |
|---|---|
| Penalty points and convictions | There is no fixed percentage increase that applies to every driver. Insurers assess the offence, its date and your wider circumstances. |
| Cover and excess | Compare the cover, excesses, exclusions and payment terms as well as the price. |
| Insurer criteria | Quotes and acceptance vary. A comparison does not guarantee a saving or an offer of insurance. |
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How much can six points change the cost?
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.
If you are a new driver, six or more points within two years of passing your first test can lead to licence revocation. Make sure you have the required licence entitlement as well as insurance before driving.
Compare insurance options for drivers with points
| How to Reduce Insurance Rates | Keep in Mind… |
|---|---|
| Choose Your Car Wisely | Consider age, engine, insurance group & price. A lower insurance group may help, but the actual premium depends on the insurer and your circumstances. A high-powered & fast car, or cheap car with less value come with a higher risk, which means a higher premium. |
| Ensure Car Safety & Security | Park in a driveway or locked garage. Use safety technology. |
| Add a genuine named driver | An additional driver may change the quote. Always identify the real main driver accurately; naming someone else as the main driver to reduce cost can invalidate cover. |
| Drive Fewer Miles | Quote your expected mileage accurately; a lower estimate does not guarantee a lower premium. |
| Relevant rehabilitation course | If eligible and offered by the court, an approved drink-drive rehabilitation course can affect disqualification. Do not assume it will reduce an insurance premium. |
| Check the cover you need | Third-party cover protects against specified liabilities to others; third-party fire and theft adds specified cover for your vehicle; comprehensive usually adds accidental damage to your own vehicle. Exclusions, excesses and benefits vary, so read the policy. |
| Compare Policies and Opt Out of Extras | Get quotes tailored to your specific convictions and needs. Optional extras like excess protection, legal cover, breakdown, windscreen, and gadget cover are nice to have but come with added costs. |
| Increase Your Excess | Raising the amount of excess (upfront payment for any claim; the rest to be paid by the insurer) on your policy can lower your insurance premium. |
Can I appeal the points on my licence?
The correct process depends on whether you have received a notice, accepted a fixed penalty or been convicted by a court. Do not assume that a dispute can be resolved by asking an insurer or DVLA to delete points.
If asked to identify the driver, respond accurately within the deadline. If you believe the allegation or record is wrong, follow the notice or court process and seek advice promptly. Do not name someone falsely or ignore the notice.
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How long will it stay?
Endorsements normally stay on the driving record for four or eleven years, depending on the offence. The period used to assess a totting-up ban is a separate matter. Check your actual code in the official endorsement list.
Driving-record retention and the period before a conviction becomes spent are different. The sentence, your age and the relevant UK jurisdiction matter. The end of a ban or removal of an endorsement does not automatically settle the disclosure question. See the official rehabilitation guidance for England and Wales; check the separate rules for Scotland or Northern Ireland where relevant.
