Why Compare Construction and Use Insurance?
CU Codes Cover Vehicle Condition Offences
Construction and use convictions relate to the condition of your vehicle, not your driving. Bald tyres, defective brakes, or using a mobile phone all fall under CU codes. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who know how insurers treat these differently.
Mobile Phone Offences Are Increasingly Common
CU80 (using a handheld mobile phone while driving) now carries 6 points. In 2023, tens of thousands of fines were issued for mobile phone use while driving across the UK in 2023 (Home Office motoring offence statistics). Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who know which insurers price phone offences fairly.
Many Insurers Still Offer Competitive Cover
CU codes are generally viewed as less serious than drink driving or dangerous driving. Most mainstream insurers will still quote, but premiums may be loaded. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who compare across panels to find a competitive price.
Construction and Use Offences At A Glance
- CU codes relate to vehicle condition and use, not driving ability. Many insurers view them as less serious than other conviction types.
- Mobile phone use (CU80) carries 6 points and is the most common CU offence. Over 36,800 fines were issued for this offence in 2023 (as at December 2023). New drivers are particularly affected, as 6 points within two years of passing means automatic licence revocation.
- Most mainstream insurers will still offer cover for CU codes, though premiums may be loaded. Comparing through convicted driver insurance specialists could help find a competitive price.
- Vehicle condition offences (defective tyres, brakes, steering) may also affect your MOT record. Fixing the issue may improve your insurance position.
- One click, multiple quotes. Click the green button above to compare.
Construction and Use Penalties
Construction and use offences cover a wide range of vehicle condition and usage violations. They are separate from traffic sign offences, which relate to failing to comply with road signs and signals. The penalties vary depending on the specific offence.
| Offence | Code | Points | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using a vehicle with defective brakes | CU10 | 3 | Up to £2,500 |
| Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories in a dangerous condition | CU20 | 3 | Up to £2,500 |
| Using a vehicle with defective tyres | CU30 | 3 | Up to £2,500 |
| Using a vehicle with defective steering | CU40 | 3 | Up to £2,500 |
| Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers | CU50 | 3 | Up to £2,500 |
| Using a handheld mobile phone while driving | CU80 | 6 | Up to £1,000 |
Find Your Construction and Use Code
Each construction and use offence carries a specific code. Choose yours below for detailed insurance guidance.
What Our Expert Says
Construction and use offences cover a wide range, from defective brakes to mobile phone use. Insurers generally treat vehicle defect codes (CU10 to CU50) as lower risk than behavioural offences.
CU80 is different. Mobile phone use while driving carries 6 points and insurers often view it as a behavioural risk. The premium loading for CU80 may be higher than for a defective tyre or brake code.
The good news is that CU convictions stay on your licence for 4 years. As they age, the impact on your premium typically reduces. Comparing at each renewal is important because different insurers reduce their loading at different rates.
Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common Construction and Use Insurance Questions
Can You Get Car Insurance With a Construction and Use Conviction?
Yes. A construction and use conviction (CU10 through CU80) does not prevent you from getting car insurance. Some mainstream insurers may increase your price, but specialist brokers work with insurers who accept CU codes regularly. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who handle construction and use convictions.
How Long Does a Construction and Use Conviction Stay on Your Licence?
A construction and use conviction stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of offence. This applies to all CU codes, from CU10 (defective brakes) through to CU80 (mobile phone use). After 4 years, the endorsement is removed from your DVLA record.
How Many Points Do You Get for a Construction and Use Offence?
Most construction and use offences carry 3 penalty points. The exception is CU80 (using a mobile phone while driving), which carries 6 points. The number of points you received could affect your insurance price.
What Is the Most Common CU Code?
CU80 (using a mobile phone while driving) is by far the most common construction and use conviction code. Since penalties increased in March 2017, drivers caught using a handheld phone while driving receive 6 points and a fine. Tens of thousands of fines were recorded for this offence in 2023 (Home Office motoring offence statistics). CU30 (defective tyres) is also relatively common.
Does a CU80 Conviction Affect Insurance More Than Other CU Codes?
It could. Insurers often treat CU80 (mobile phone use) as a behavioural risk. This may carry a higher loading than vehicle defect codes like CU10 or CU30. A CU80 with 6 points could have a noticeably bigger impact on your price than a CU30 with 3 points.
Do I Have to Declare a Construction and Use Conviction to My Insurer?
Yes. You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully, which usually means declaring a construction and use conviction for as long as it appears on your driving record (4 years from the date of offence) and for as long as your insurer asks about convictions, often up to 5 years. Failing to declare could invalidate your policy, meaning any claim may be declined.
Can You Get Points for Each Defective Tyre?
Yes. A CU30 conviction applies per defective tyre. If your vehicle has 4 defective tyres, you could receive 4 separate endorsements of 3 points each – 12 points in total. That would trigger a totting-up disqualification. Always check your tyres regularly to avoid this.
Can You Lose Your Licence for a Construction and Use Offence?
A construction and use offence does not usually carry a mandatory ban. However, if your points reach 12 or more (including points from other offences), you could face a totting-up disqualification. This means a ban of at least 6 months. New drivers within 2 years of passing lose their licence if they reach 6 points.
Is Using a Mobile Phone While Driving a Criminal Offence?
Yes. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is a criminal offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. It carries a fixed penalty of 6 points and a fine. If the case goes to court, the penalty could be higher, including a possible driving ban.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who accept construction and use convictions. After you submit the form, brokers who handle your specific CU code will come back with quotes. You can compare prices and choose the cover that suits you. There is no obligation to buy, and your details are handled in line with UK data protection rules.
How Construction and Use Offences Affect Your Insurance
CU codes are generally treated less severely than drink driving or dangerous driving by insurers. A single CU conviction for defective tyres or brakes typically adds a moderate loading to your premium. It is unlikely to result in being declined outright.
Mobile phone offences (CU80) can have a bigger impact because they carry 6 points. If CU80 is your only conviction, most insurers will still offer cover. However, the premium increase may be noticeable. Comparing at renewal is important, especially in the first two years. Telematics car insurance could help demonstrate safe driving habits and potentially reduce premiums over time.
If you need short-term cover while shopping around, temporary car insurance for convicted drivers may be worth considering as an interim option.
If you drive a van for work, convicted driver van insurance covers CU codes on commercial vehicles too.
Search & compare quotes from UK Construction and Use Offences Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Penalty Points – Find out when your points expire and how the totting-up system works.
- DVLA – Check Your Licence – View your current points and convictions online.
- GOV.UK – Driving Disqualifications – Official guidance on when you could be disqualified from driving and how to get your licence back.
- Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 – The legislation that defines construction and use standards for vehicles on UK roads.
