Do I Need To Tell Insurers About Penalty Points?
Yes. You must declare any unspent points (typically those from the last 4 years) when:
- Getting a new quote
- Renewing your policy
- Changing providers
If you don’t declare them, your insurer could cancel your policy or refuse a future claim.
How Long Do Penalty Points Affect Insurance?
Insurers usually ask about any endorsements within the last 5 years, even though penalty points are only valid for 4 years in terms of legal driving offences.
To stay on the safe side, assume they could affect your premium for up to 5 years.
Can I Get Cheaper Insurance With Points?
Yes, but it may take a bit more effort:
- Use specialist insurers who deal with drivers who have points
- Look at black box (telematics) policies to prove safe driving
- Consider increasing your voluntary excess
- Avoid further offences to keep your driving record clean
Yes, even 3 points can raise your premium slightly, especially if you’re a young or new driver.
Not directly, but a claim made as a result of an offence (e.g. causing an accident) might affect your no claims discount.
No, penalty points stay on your licence for a set time (usually 4 years) and can’t be removed early.
Yes. Many now use the MyLicence database to automatically verify your driving history when quoting.
