Why Compare CU20 Car Insurance?
Specialist Brokers Who Accept CU20
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who understand construction and use codes and accept CU20 convictions where standard comparison sites may decline.
All Cover Levels Compared
Clean Green Cars connects you with providers offering comprehensive, third party fire and theft, and third party only quotes for drivers with 3-point vehicle condition endorsements.
Your Loading Could Reduce Over Time
a CU20 stays on your licence for 4 years, and each clean year may help bring your price down at renewal.
CU20 Car Insurance At A Glance
- Vehicle Condition Offence – CU20 means causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of an unsuitable vehicle or parts in dangerous condition under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
- 3 Points, 4 Years – the endorsement stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of offence. A ban becomes obligatory on a second offence within 3 years.
- Loadings May Ease Over Time – each clean year after your CU20 could help reduce what you pay at renewal, as brokers factor in your recent driving record.
- Compare CU20 quotes from specialist brokers at the top of this page.
What Is a CU20 Conviction?
CU20 is a statutory offence under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – using a vehicle with parts or accessories in a dangerous condition, or a vehicle unsuitable for its purpose. Here’s how the law defines it:
- Who it applies to – Any driver or person in charge of a motor vehicle on a public road whose parts or accessories fall outside the Construction and Use Regulations. CU20 covers defects other than brakes, steering, or tyres – each of those has its own code.
- What counts as a dangerous part or accessory – Worn or broken components, insecure fittings, defective lights, a vehicle carrying a load or being used for a purpose it is not suitable for, or any other condition where the state of the vehicle (excluding brakes, steering, and tyres) could pose a danger.
- How the duty arises – Automatically, the moment the vehicle is used on a road. The driver is expected to check the condition of the vehicle before use. Police or DVSA can issue a CU20 on the spot for a visible defect or after a roadside inspection.
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Points | A CU20 carries 3 penalty points. These points are endorseable, meaning they are added to your driving licence for the duration of the endorsement period. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a 3-year period, they could face a totting-up disqualification under a separate TT99 code. |
| Driving Ban | A driving ban for CU20 is discretionary, not mandatory. Most first-time offenders receive points and a fine without a ban. However, if the case goes to court, the magistrate may impose a discretionary disqualification depending on the circumstances, particularly if the vehicle defect was severe or contributed to an accident. |
| Maximum Fine | The maximum fine for a CU20 offence is £2,500 for private vehicles. For goods vehicles, the maximum fine is unlimited (Level 5 on the standard scale, since March 2015). The actual fine imposed depends on the nature and severity of the defect, the circumstances of the offence, and whether the case is dealt with by fixed penalty or at court. |
| Time on Licence | A CU20 endorsement stays on your driving licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. Most insurers ask you to declare convictions from the last 5 years. This means you may need to tell your insurer about your CU20 for up to 5 years from the offence date, even after the endorsement disappears from your licence. |
| Spent After | Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a CU20 conviction resulting in a fine (with no custodial sentence) becomes spent after 1 year. Once spent, you do not need to disclose it for most purposes such as job applications, unless the role is exempt. |
CU20Can You Get Insurance With a CU20?
Yes, but the market is narrower than for a standard policy, and you’ll almost always need a specialist broker. Here’s what to know before you compare:
- Points and ban – 3 penalty points are added to your licence, with a possible discretionary driving ban depending on the severity of the defect and circumstances.
- Time on your record – 4 years on the DVLA endorsement, and most insurers ask about convictions in the last 5 years.
- When it’s spent – A fine-only CU20 is spent 1 year after conviction under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Disclosure still matters – Non-disclosure can invalidate the policy and lead to a claim being declined, even though CU20 is a mechanical or condition offence rather than a behavioural one.
- Treated less harshly than behavioural codes – Because CU20 excludes brakes, steering, and tyres, many insurers may apply a moderate loading rather than declining, particularly for a first-time defect on an otherwise clean licence.
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers experienced with Construction and Use convictions. If you need short-term cover while comparing, temporary car insurance with convictions may bridge the gap.
Who Needs CU20 Car Insurance?
Standard insurers often load your price or decline cover after a vehicle condition conviction. Here is who typically benefits most from comparing CU20 car insurance quotes.
Minor Damage You Assumed Was Safe To Drive With
A cracked windscreen, a dented panel, a slightly loose mirror — it looked cosmetic, not dangerous. Then an officer decided otherwise and suddenly you are facing a conviction code.
Inherited An Older Vehicle From Family
The car came to you as a gift or inheritance. It had been sitting unused, and issues you could not see — corrosion, perished hoses, worn components — made it legally unroadworthy.
Modification That Went Wrong
You upgraded a part or fitted an accessory thinking it would improve the car. Instead, it created a fault that made the vehicle dangerous in the eyes of the law.
Work Van With Gradual Wear And Tear
The van does heavy miles and takes heavy loads. Wear crept up between services, and a roadside check found something that crossed the line from tired to dangerous.
Did Not Know The Part Was Classed As Dangerous
A component you had never heard of failed or degraded. You did not even know your vehicle had it, let alone that its condition could result in a conviction.
Worth Knowing: Many CU20 convictions come from faults that were there when the driver bought the car. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who see past the code and assess your actual driving record.
What CU20 Car Insurance Covers
A CU20 on your licence does not change what your policy is designed to cover. It changes how much you pay and which insurers will quote you. Some standard insurers may decline, but specialist brokers can usually find you cover at every level.
Here is what each level of cover could include. Please note that policy features, benefits, terms and conditions vary among insurers, so always check the policy wording.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your 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: A faulty light you did not notice and a dangerous modification you chose to make both produce the same CU20 code. Specialist brokers know the difference, and comprehensive cover could still be available at a reasonable price after a 3-point endorsement.
What CU20 Car Insurance May Not Cover
A single exclusion could mean your whole claim gets declined. Here is what CU20 car insurance usually does not cover.
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not tell your insurer about your CU20, they could invalidate your policy and may decline all claims.
- Known Vehicle Defects - If you cause an accident while knowingly driving with dangerous parts or accessories, your insurer could decline your claim.
- Driving Under the Influence - If you cause an accident while impaired by drink or drugs, your insurer could decline your claim regardless of your CU20.
- Wear and Tear - Gradual damage to your car, like worn tyres or rust, is not covered by any motor policy.
Important Limitations
- Higher Excess - Your insurer may set a higher compulsory excess because of your CU20. Check your policy documents before you agree.
- Named Driver Restrictions - Some policies may limit who else can drive your car after a construction and use conviction.
- Vehicle Value Cap - Some convicted driver policies may cap the value of car they will insure.
- Mileage Limits - Some specialist policies may impose annual mileage caps as a condition of cover.
Optional Extras Worth Adding
Your standard policy is designed to cover the basics. These extras fill the gaps that matter most after a construction and use conviction.
May help cover roadside assistance if your car breaks down, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May help cover your legal costs if you need to dispute fault after an accident, depending on your policy terms.
May help you recover losses from a non-fault crash, subject to policy limits and conditions.
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 have built up years of no claims and want to keep your discount safe after a claim, subject to insurer acceptance criteria.
May help cover the difference between what your insurer pays out and what you originally paid for the car, depending on your policy terms.
What Affects the Cost of Car Insurance with a CU20 Conviction?
Your quote depends on your penalty points, your overall driving history, and whether you have any other convictions. A CU20 tells insurers your vehicle had dangerous parts or accessories, which they treat as a vehicle maintenance risk.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Points on your licence | A CU20 carries 3 penalty points. This is a relatively low endorsement, but it still signals a vehicle safety issue to insurers. |
| Time since your CU20 | Your price could drop each year. A CU20 from 3 years ago may cost less to insure than a recent one. |
| Other convictions | A CU20 on top of other motoring convictions could push your price up sharply. Multiple active codes suggest a pattern to insurers. |
| Vehicle type | Goods vehicle operators may face an unlimited maximum fine (Level 5) and potentially greater scrutiny from insurers due to commercial vehicle safety obligations. |
| Your age | Younger drivers often pay more after a conviction. If you are under 25, the increase could be bigger. |
| Your car | Higher insurance group cars cost more to insure, with or without convictions. |
| Where you live | Your postcode affects your base price before your CU20 loading is added. |
| Claims history | A clean claims record could offset some of your CU20 loading. |
Price Insight: CU20 carries 3 points and excludes the more serious component categories (brakes, steering, tyres). If your defect was something like a faulty light or worn mirror, specialist brokers can present that context to help find a fair price.
Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Cost
A CU20 could push your premium up, but there are steps you could take to bring it down. Here are some ways to cut what you pay.
Compare Quotes Every Year
Do not auto-renew. Your CU20 loading could reduce each year. Get quotes above to check.
Wait It Out
A CU20 stays on your licence for 4 years. Each clean year shows insurers the defect was a one-off, which could help your renewal price.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
A higher excess could cut your premium. Only offer what you could genuinely afford to pay if you claimed.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
Regular servicing and prompt repairs show insurers you have taken the issue seriously. Keep records - some brokers ask for evidence of ongoing maintenance.
Pay Annually
Monthly payments include interest. Paying upfront could reduce what you pay overall.
Choose a Lower Group Car
Cars in lower insurance groups cost less to insure, even with a CU20. Checking the group before buying could help offset the loading.
Build a Clean Record
Every conviction-free year after your CU20 strengthens your position at renewal. Specialist brokers can use this to negotiate better terms.
Saving Tip: A vehicle defect you did not even know about should not define your insurance options. Compare quotes above – Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who understand construction and use convictions.
How To Compare CU20 Car Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes after a CU20 does not take long. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who cover convicted drivers every day. Get started above when you are ready.
Enter Your Vehicle Details
Add your registration, make, model, and where you park overnight.
Declare Your CU20
Select the CU20 conviction code, enter the date of offence, and the number of points. Declare any other endorsements too.
Add Your Driving History
Include any other convictions, claims, or no claims discount.
Choose Your Cover Level
Decide between comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only.
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
Being told your vehicle is in a dangerous condition is frightening — especially when you had no idea anything was wrong. The phrase itself sounds extreme, and hearing it applied to your own car can feel like an accusation that does not match reality.
CU20 covers a wide range of faults: cracked windscreens, corroded chassis, bald patches on otherwise decent tyres, broken lights, or suspension failures. Some are obvious, but many are hidden. The law makes no allowance for whether you knew the defect existed. Penalties range from 3 points and a fine up to court-imposed disqualification for more serious cases.
Because CU20 appears across so many different scenarios, specialist brokers are used to explaining the context to underwriters. The story behind the code matters, and the right broker ensures it gets heard.
Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common CU20 Car Insurance Questions
What Is a CU20 Conviction Code?
CU20 is a DVLA endorsement code meaning “causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition.” It is applied under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
How Long Does a CU20 Conviction Stay on Your Licence?
A CU20 endorsement stays on your driving licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. However, most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years. This means you may need to declare your CU20 even after it disappears from your licence until 5 years have passed since the offence date.
How Many Points Does a CU20 Conviction Carry?
A CU20 carries 3 penalty points. These points are added to your driving licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. If the 3 points take you to 12 or more within a 3-year period, you could face a totting-up disqualification under a separate TT99 code.
How Much Does CU20 Conviction Increase Car Insurance?
The increase depends on your insurer and your overall record. A CU20 carries 3 points and is treated as a vehicle maintenance offence. Because it excludes brakes, steering, and tyres, some insurers may view it as less critical. Specialists who handle convicted drivers may price it more favourably. The impact typically reduces with each clean year.
What Is the Difference Between CU10 Conviction and CU20 Conviction?
CU10 specifically covers defective brakes, while CU20 covers dangerous parts or accessories excluding brakes, steering, and tyres. Both carry 3 points and similar fines, but CU20 is a broader code covering items like faulty lights, mirrors, exhausts, and dangerous modifications.
What Is the Fine for a CU20 Offence?
The maximum fine for a CU20 is £2,500 for private vehicles. For goods vehicles, the maximum fine is unlimited (Level 5 on the standard scale, since March 2015). The actual amount depends on the nature of the defect, the circumstances, and whether the case is dealt with by fixed penalty or at court.
Is CU20 a Criminal Offence?
CU20 is a motoring endorsement, not a criminal offence in the traditional sense. It does not result in a criminal record. However, it is a conviction under road traffic law and must be declared to your insurer. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a fine-only CU20 becomes spent after 1 year.
Can You Be Banned for a CU20 Offence?
A driving ban for a CU20 offence is discretionary, not mandatory. Most first-time offenders receive 3 points and a fine without a ban. However, if the case goes to court and the vehicle defect was particularly dangerous or contributed to an accident, the magistrate could impose a discretionary disqualification.
What Vehicle Defects Does CU20 Cover?
CU20 covers a broad range of vehicle defects excluding brakes, steering, and tyres. This includes faulty lights, defective mirrors, dangerous exhaust systems, insecure bodywork, unsuitable modifications, broken windscreen wipers, and carrying insecure loads. It also applies when a vehicle is fundamentally unsuitable for its intended use on a public road.
What Happens After I Submit?
After you submit your details, Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who cover drivers with CU20 endorsements. They review your information and send you quotes. You are not committed to anything by submitting the form, and your details are handled in line with UK data protection rules.
Related Conviction Codes
Looking for information about other conviction codes? Browse related offences below, or visit the Construction and Use Offences hub for the full list.
Using a vehicle with defective brakes
Compare CU10 quotesUsing a vehicle with defective tyre(s)
Compare CU30 quotesUsing a vehicle with defective steering
Compare CU40 quotesCausing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers
Compare CU50 quotesBreach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, mobile telephones etc
Compare CU80 quotesSearch & compare quotes from UK CU20 Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Penalty Points and Endorsements – How the penalty points system works, including endorsement codes and expiry dates.
- GOV.UK – View Your Driving Licence – Check your licence online to see your current points and convictions.
- GOV.UK – If Your Vehicle Fails Its MOT – What happens when your vehicle fails its MOT test, including dangerous and major defects.
- DVSA – Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – The agency responsible for roadside vehicle inspections and MOT standards.
