Why Compare SP40 Car Insurance?
Passenger Vehicle Speeding Is Treated Differently
SP40 means you exceeded a speed limit that applies specifically to passenger vehicles such as minibuses or coaches. Some mainstream insurers are unfamiliar with SP40 and may load your premium heavily or decline to quote. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who regularly handle passenger vehicle convictions and know which providers price them fairly.
Loading Could Vary Widely Between Providers
An SP40 carries 3 to 6 points, and each insurer weighs those points differently. One provider may add 15% while another adds 5% for the same conviction. Comparing quotes lets you see which providers are most competitive for your specific situation.
Your Price Could Drop Every Year
SP40 points stay on your licence for 4 years from the offence date. As the conviction ages, your loading could reduce at each renewal. Comparing quotes annually is one of the most effective ways to make sure you are not overpaying.
SP40 Car Insurance At A Glance
- SP40 is the endorsement for exceeding the speed limit set for passenger vehicles such as minibuses and coaches.
- The conviction carries 3 to 6 penalty points and a minimum fine of £100 (GOV.UK).
- Passenger vehicles have lower speed limits than cars on some roads – 50 mph on single carriageways where cars can do 60 mph.
- Points stay on your licence for 4 years, but most insurers ask about the last 5.
- Need short-term cover? Temporary car insurance with convictions is available while you compare.
- Start comparing SP40 quotes through specialist brokers using the form above.
What Is an SP40 Conviction?
SP40 is the DVLA endorsement code for exceeding the speed limit applicable to a passenger vehicle. Unlike SP30, which relates to general speeding in a standard car, SP40 applies when the vehicle itself has a different speed limit because of its classification. Minibuses, coaches, and buses are subject to lower speed limits on certain roads under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
An SP40 carries 3 to 6 penalty points and stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. Most insurers ask about convictions for up to 5 years. Passenger vehicles carrying 9 or more passengers have reduced limits on single carriageways (50 mph) and dual carriageways (60 mph), compared with 60 mph and 70 mph for standard cars.
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Points | 3 to 6 |
| Driving Ban | Possible if 12+ points accumulated, or at court discretion for excessive speed |
| Maximum Fine | Minimum £100, up to £1,000 (£2,500 on motorway) |
| Time on Licence | 4 years on licence from date of offence |
| Spent After | 5 years from date of conviction |
SP40Can You Get Insurance With an SP40 Conviction?
An SP40 carries 3 to 6 penalty points that stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, the conviction becomes spent once the fine penalty is complete, typically 1 year from the date imposed. However, most insurers ask about motoring convictions from the last 5 years regardless of spent status.
You must declare your SP40 for as long as your insurer asks. Failing to disclose it could invalidate your cover. As the conviction ages, your loading could reduce. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who handle convicted driver insurance and SP40 convictions regularly. Comparing at each renewal helps ensure you are paying a fair price.
SP40 is less common than SP30 because it applies specifically to passenger vehicles rather than standard cars. Some mainstream insurers may not have a specific pricing model for SP40, which could result in higher loading or a decline. Specialist brokers who handle convicted driver policies understand the distinction and may know which providers are more competitive for passenger vehicle convictions.
If you drive a minibus for a community group, school transport, or private hire, your policy needs to reflect that use type. An SP40 on top of a specialist vehicle policy could narrow your options further. Comparing through brokers who handle both the conviction and the vehicle type could save you time and money.
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who regularly place drivers with SP40 endorsements. You fill in one form and get matched with providers who understand passenger vehicle convictions.
Who Needs SP40 Car Insurance?
SP40 applies specifically to passenger vehicle drivers. Here is who typically benefits most from comparing SP40 convicted driver car insurance quotes through specialist brokers.
Minibus Drivers
You drive a minibus for a community group, church, or sports club and picked up an SP40. You were helping people, not racing. Specialist brokers know which providers cover minibus use and could find you options that standard comparison sites miss.
Coach and Bus Drivers
An SP40 on your professional licence could affect your personal car insurance too. That crossover catches drivers off guard. Brokers who handle convicted driver policies understand this and could help you find cover for both.
School Transport Drivers
Driving children under a Section 19 permit comes with extra scrutiny. An SP40 on top of that responsibility can feel overwhelming. Specialist brokers may find providers who weigh your clean record alongside the conviction.
Private Hire Operators
Operating a vehicle with 9 or more passenger seats for private hire already narrows your options. An SP40 narrows them further. Brokers who specialise in both convicted drivers and commercial use could help.
Drivers Approaching 12 Points
If your SP40 takes your total close to 12, you may face a totting-up ban. That is a stressful prospect. Specialist brokers handle high-point licences regularly and could still find you cover after any ban is served.
Worth Knowing: Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who already handle drivers with passenger vehicle convictions. You fill in one form and get matched with specialists who understand SP40.
What SP40 Car Insurance Covers
An SP40 on your licence does not change what your policy is designed to cover. It changes how much you pay and which providers will quote you.
Here is what each level of cover could include. Please note that policy features, benefits, terms and conditions vary among insurance providers, so always check the policy wording.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your own vehicle | Yes | No | No |
| Fire and theft protection | Yes | Yes | No |
| Damage to other people's property | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Injury to other people | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windscreen cover | Often included | Rarely | No |
| Courtesy car | Sometimes included | Rarely | No |
Cover Tip: Comprehensive cover could sometimes cost less than third party only, even with an SP40. Passenger vehicle drivers should compare all three levels rather than assuming the most basic tier gives a more affordable price.
What SP40 Car Insurance May Not Cover
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not tell your insurer about your SP40, they could invalidate your policy and may decline all claims.
- Driving Under the Influence - If you cause an accident while impaired by drink or drugs, your insurer could decline your claim regardless of any speeding conviction.
- Undeclared Vehicle Use - If your policy covers social use but you are driving passengers for hire or reward, your insurer could decline a claim for using the vehicle outside your policy terms.
- Racing or Competitive Events - Standard policies do not cover racing, rallies, or competitive driving events. A driver with a speeding conviction involved in an accident at excessive speed may find their claim could be declined.
- Higher Compulsory Excess - Some insurers apply a higher compulsory excess for convicted drivers, which means you pay more before a claim is settled.
- Mileage Restrictions - Your policy may limit your annual mileage. Exceeding it could affect whether a claim is paid in full.
- Vehicle Value Cap - Some convicted driver policies may cap the maximum value of vehicle they will insure.
- Passenger Number Restrictions - Some policies for passenger vehicles may restrict the number of passengers covered, particularly after a conviction. Check your policy schedule for any passenger limits.
Extras Worth Adding
Your standard policy is designed to cover the basics. After an SP40, these extras could fill gaps that matter if something else goes wrong on the road. You may also want to check temporary cover with convictions for short-term needs.
May help cover roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down away from home. Particularly useful for passenger vehicle drivers who may have passengers relying on them, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May help cover your legal costs if you need to dispute fault after an accident. Relevant if you already have points from an SP40 and want to protect your driving record, depending on your policy terms.
May help cover the cost of replacing your keys if they are lost or stolen. Minibus and coach keys can be more expensive to replace than standard car keys, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May be needed if you have built up years of no claims and want to keep your discount safe after a claim. Not every insurer offers this to drivers with convictions, so check availability, subject to insurer acceptance criteria.
May pay a set amount if you are hurt in a crash and cannot work, depending on your policy terms.
May be needed if you want to prove safe driving habits after your SP40. A black box tracks your speed, braking, and mileage, which could help reduce your premium at renewal, subject to policy limits and conditions.
What Affects the Cost of Car Insurance with a SP40 Conviction?
Your quote depends on the number of points from your SP40, how recently you were convicted, and the type of passenger vehicle you drive. SP40 falls under the speeding convictions category. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Your SP40 conviction | An SP40 carries 3 to 6 penalty points. Research from Admiral suggests 3 penalty points could add around 10% to a premium (as at January 2025). Six points from a higher speed band could increase your loading further. |
| Time since conviction | Your price could drop each year as the SP40 ages. A conviction from 3 years ago may cost less to insure than one from last month. |
| Type of passenger vehicle | A 9-seat minibus is treated differently from a 50-seat coach. Larger vehicles or those used for commercial passenger transport may attract higher premiums. |
| Other convictions on your licence | An SP40 on top of other motoring convictions could push your price up sharply. Multiple speeding offences may signal a pattern to insurers. |
| No claims discount | A long no claims history could help offset some of your SP40 loading. Protecting your discount may be worth considering. |
| Your vehicle (group, age, value) | Higher insurance group vehicles cost more to insure, with or without convictions. Choosing a lower group car for personal use could help reduce your overall price. |
| Annual mileage | Lower mileage usually means lower risk. If you drive less than average, make sure your estimate is accurate to avoid overpaying. |
| Cover level | Comprehensive cover could cost less than third party only for some convicted drivers. Always compare all three levels to see which gives you the best value. |
Price Insight: SP40 is less common than SP30, which means some insurers may not have a specific pricing model for it. Without one, they apply a blanket loading that may not reflect your actual risk. Specialist brokers could match you with insurers who price passenger vehicle convictions individually.
Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Cost
An SP40 could push your premium up, but there are practical steps that could bring it closer to what you paid before. New drivers with an SP40 should compare especially carefully. Here are some ways to reduce what you pay.
Compare at Every Renewal
Your SP40 loading could shrink each year, but your insurer may not pass that saving on. Do not auto-renew. Get quotes above to check.
Consider a Telematics Policy
A telematics policy tracks your driving habits. After an SP40, consistent safe driving data could give your insurer evidence that the speeding was a one-off.
Separate Personal and Minibus Cover
If you drive a minibus for volunteering and a car personally, insuring them separately could be cheaper than a combined policy. Get quotes for each vehicle through the right specialist.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
A higher excess could cut your premium. Make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.
Pay Annually If You Can
Monthly payments include interest charges. On a conviction-loaded premium, paying upfront could reduce what you spend overall.
Add an Experienced Named Driver
Adding a more experienced driver with a clean licence could help balance how insurers see your application, especially for younger or newer drivers.
Park Off the Street
A driveway or garage is lower risk than on-street parking. If you have off-street parking, make sure your insurer knows about it.
Saving Tip: Volunteering your time to drive people around should not mean overpaying for insurance. Specialist brokers who handle passenger vehicle convictions know which providers price SP40 fairly. Compare above.
How to Compare SP40 Car Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes after an SP40 does not take long. Here is how it works. Get started above when you are ready.
Enter Your Vehicle Details
Add your registration, make, model, and where you park overnight.
Add Your Personal Details
Enter your name, address, date of birth, and occupation.
Declare Your SP40
Select the SP40 conviction code, enter the date of offence, and the number of points. Declare any other endorsements on your licence too.
Complete Your Driving Record
Choose your cover level, add your no claims discount, and confirm any previous claims.
Review Your Quotes
Specialist brokers send you quotes based on your details. Compare prices and cover levels, then pick the one that fits.
What Our Expert Says
Receiving an SP40 can feel bewildering, especially if you volunteer your time driving a minibus for a community group or sports club. You were helping people get where they needed to be, and now you are dealing with penalty points and a higher insurance bill.
Passenger vehicles such as minibuses and coaches have lower speed limits on certain roads. A minibus driver doing 55 mph on a single carriageway is breaking the law at a speed that would be perfectly legal in a car. That catches people out, especially volunteers who may not realise the limits differ for the vehicle they are driving.
From an insurance perspective, SP40 is weighted similarly to SP30 in terms of points. Three to six points stay on your licence for 4 years, and most insurers ask about the last 5. The loading could reduce year on year, so comparing at every renewal is important.
If you hold a D1 licence and drive minibuses regularly, your personal car insurance could also be affected. Some insurers ask about all convictions regardless of which vehicle you were driving. Declaring your SP40 accurately is essential to keeping your cover valid.
Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common SP40 Car Insurance Questions
What Is the Difference Between SP30 and SP40?
SP30 relates to exceeding the general speed limit for cars. SP40 relates to exceeding the lower limits that apply to passenger vehicles such as minibuses and coaches.
What Are the Speed Limits for Passenger Vehicles in the UK?
Passenger vehicles with 9 or more seats: 30 mph in built-up areas, 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways, 70 mph on motorways.
How Many Points Do You Get for SP40?
Three to six, depending on how far over the passenger vehicle limit you were travelling.
How Long Does SP40 Stay on Your Licence?
Four years from the date of the offence. Most insurers ask about convictions for the past 5 years.
Do I Have to Declare SP40 on My Car Insurance?
Yes. You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully, which usually means declaring your SP40 whenever they ask about motoring convictions or penalty points – typically for at least 5 years. Not declaring it when asked could invalidate your cover and lead to claims being declined.
Does SP40 Affect My Personal Car Insurance?
Yes. The points sit on your driving licence. Most insurers ask about all convictions when you apply for any motor insurance.
Can I Get a Speed Awareness Course Instead of SP40 Points?
You may be offered a course if your speed was within the eligible range. It costs around £100 (NDORS), avoids points, though some insurers still ask about it.
What Is the Fine for SP40?
The fixed penalty is £100. Court fines are based on weekly income. Maximum £1,000 on most roads, £2,500 on a motorway.
Do I Need a D1 Licence to Drive a Minibus?
If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you may already have D1 entitlement. After that date, you generally need a separate D1 test, unless driving under a Section 19 permit for a non-profit.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars introduces you to a specialist broker who contacts you directly with quotes. There is no obligation to buy.
Related Speeding Conviction Codes
SP40 is one of several speeding endorsement codes used on UK driving licences. Each code relates to a different type of speeding offence but all carry similar insurance implications. Here are the related SP codes.
Search & compare quotes from UK SP40 Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Speeding Penalties – How speeding fines and points work in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK – Penalty Points – Find out when your points expire and how the totting-up system works.
- GOV.UK – Speed Limits – Speed limits for different vehicle types on different roads.
- GOV.UK – Driving a Minibus – Rules for driving a minibus, including D1 licence requirements and permit exemptions.
