Why Compare SP20 Car Insurance?
Your Vehicle Type Limit Matters to Insurers
An SP20 means you exceeded the speed limit for your specific vehicle type. Cars towing trailers, caravans, or horseboxes have lower limits than standard cars. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who know which providers understand vehicle-type speeding and could price your SP20 fairly.
Towing Convictions Need Specialist Knowledge
Standard comparison sites may not distinguish between an SP20 and an SP30. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who understand the difference between general speeding and vehicle-type speeding, and who have access to providers that assess your case individually.
Your SP20 Loading Could Drop Each Year
Research from Admiral suggests 3 penalty points could add around 10% to your premium (as at January 2025). As your SP20 ages, that loading could reduce. Clean Green Cars puts you in touch with specialist brokers who could find you a more competitive price at each renewal.
SP20 Car Insurance At A Glance
- SP20 relates to exceeding the speed limit for your vehicle type, such as a car towing a trailer at 70mph on a dual carriageway where the towing limit is 60mph.
- Your conviction carries 3 to 6 penalty points and a minimum £100 fine (GOV.UK).
- A car towing a trailer on a single carriageway is limited to 50mph, not 60mph. On a dual carriageway, the limit is 60mph, not 70mph.
- Points stay on your licence for 4 years, but insurers may ask about the last 5.
- Need short-term cover? Temporary car insurance with convictions is available while you compare.
- Click the green button above to compare SP20 quotes from specialist brokers.
What Is an SP20 Conviction?
SP20 is the DVLA endorsement code for exceeding the speed limit that applies to your specific vehicle type. Unlike the general SP30 code, SP20 relates to vehicles that carry lower speed limits than standard cars, most commonly cars towing trailers, caravans, or horseboxes. The legal basis for this offence is the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 89.
A car towing a trailer on a dual carriageway is limited to 60mph, not the standard 70mph. On a single carriageway, the limit drops to 50mph instead of 60mph. Motorhomes over 3.05 tonnes also carry reduced limits. You could receive an SP20 from a fixed camera, mobile camera, average speed zone, or police officer.
An SP20 carries 3 to 6 penalty points and a minimum fine of £100. The maximum fine is £1,000 on most roads, rising to £2,500 on a motorway. You may be offered a speed awareness course as an alternative if your speed fell within the eligible range. A course costs around £100 and avoids points on your licence. You can only take one course every 3 years for the same type of offence.
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Points | 3 to 6 |
| Minimum Fine | £100 |
| Maximum Fine | £1,000 (£2,500 on motorway) |
| Ban Risk | Possible for excessive speed or 12+ points |
| On Your Licence | 4 years from offence date |
| Rehabilitation Period | 5 years from conviction date |
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Points | 3 to 6 |
| Driving Ban | Possible for excessive speed or accumulation of 12 or more points |
| 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 |
SP20Can You Get Insurance With an SP20 Conviction?
Most drivers with an SP20 can still get cover. However, you should expect a higher price, and some mainstream insurers may decline to quote. Research from Admiral suggests 3 points could add around 10% to your premium (as at January 2025). With 4 to 6 points, the increase could be around 26%.
You must declare your SP20 to your insurer for as long as the points remain on your licence, usually 4 years from the date of the offence. Most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years. This means you may need to declare your SP20 even after the points have come off your licence. Failing to declare could invalidate your cover.
Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who handle convicted driver insurance and SP20 convictions regularly. These brokers know which providers understand vehicle-type speeding and could find you a more competitively priced option than your current renewal.
Who Needs SP20 Car Insurance?
Standard insurers often load your price after any speeding conviction. Here is who typically benefits most from comparing SP20 car insurance quotes.
Drivers Who Tow Trailers
You were doing what felt like a safe speed on a dual carriageway, but the towing limit is 60 mph, not 70. Your renewal has jumped and mainstream insurers are charging more. Specialist brokers know which insurers treat towing convictions fairly.
Caravan and Horsebox Owners
You exceeded 60 mph while towing your caravan or horsebox - something thousands of drivers do without realising the limit is different. Brokers who handle SP20 convictions could find you a more competitive price.
Motorhome Drivers
Some motorhomes carry lower speed limits that catch owners off guard. You picked up an SP20 and need a broker who understands how vehicle-type convictions work and can match you with the right insurer.
New Drivers With SP20 Points
You passed your test less than 2 years ago. Six points means losing your licence under the New Drivers Act 1995. Even 3 points from an SP20 puts you halfway there. Specialist brokers could help you find affordable new driver car insurance after an SP20.
Renewal Shoppers
Your insurer increased your premium after an SP20 and it feels steep for what happened. Do not auto-renew. Comparing through specialist brokers could reveal a more competitive price, especially as your conviction ages.
Worth Knowing: Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who already cover drivers with SP20 endorsements. You fill in one form and get matched with specialists who understand vehicle-type speeding.
What SP20 Car Insurance Covers
An SP20 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 SP20. If you tow regularly, make sure your policy reflects that use. Comparing all three levels is worth your time.
What SP20 Car Insurance May Not Cover
One missed detail on your application could mean a declined claim. The exclusions here are similar to SP30 car insurance but with extra considerations for vehicle-type offences.
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not tell your insurer about your SP20, they could invalidate your policy and 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 Towing Use - If your policy does not include towing but you were towing when the incident happened, your insurer may decline a claim.
- 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 after an SP20. Check your policy schedule before you agree to a quote.
- Undeclared Vehicle Modifications - Towbars, suspension changes, or any other modifications must all go on your policy. Undeclared modifications could lead to a declined claim.
- Named Driver Restrictions - Some policies may limit who else can drive your car after a speeding conviction, particularly if other named drivers also have points.
- Mileage Limits - Some specialist policies may impose annual mileage caps as a condition of cover.
Extras Worth Adding
Your standard policy is designed to cover the basics. After an SP20, extras could fill gaps that matter when you are towing or driving a vehicle with specific speed restrictions. If you drive a van, also compare convicted driver van insurance.
May be needed if your car breaks down while towing a trailer or caravan. Roadside help that includes trailer recovery could get you moving faster, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May help cover your legal costs if you need to dispute fault after an accident. Particularly relevant if you already have points and want to protect your record, depending on your policy terms.
May help you recover losses from a non-fault crash, subject to policy limits and conditions. Useful if you are a regular tower who spends time on busier roads.
May help cover 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. Not every insurer offers this to drivers with convictions, so check availability, subject to insurer acceptance criteria.
May help cover the cost of replacing your keys if they are lost or stolen, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May be needed if you want to prove safe driving habits after your SP20. 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 SP20 Conviction?
Your quote depends on the number of points, how recently you were convicted, and what vehicle type you drive. SP20 is one of several speeding conviction codes that affect your quote. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Your SP20 conviction | Research from Admiral suggests 3 penalty points could add around 10% to a premium (as at January 2025). With 4 to 6 points from a higher speed band, the increase could be around 26%. |
| Time since conviction | Your price could drop each year as the SP20 ages. A conviction from 3 years ago may cost less to insure than one from last month. |
| Vehicle type and towing use | If you regularly tow trailers, caravans, or horseboxes, your insurer needs to know. Declaring towing use upfront could help you avoid problems at claim time. |
| Other convictions on your licence | An SP20 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 SP20 loading. Protecting your discount may be worth considering. |
| Your vehicle (group, age, value) | Higher insurance group cars cost more to insure, with or without convictions. Choosing a lower group car could help reduce your overall price. |
| Annual mileage | Lower mileage usually means lower risk. If you tow only occasionally, an accurate mileage estimate could help keep your price down. |
| 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: Insurers often lump all SP codes together. They care more about total points and time since the offence than which specific code you have. That means your SP20 loading could reduce at each renewal as the conviction ages – but only if you compare.
Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Cost
An SP20 could push your premium up, but there are practical steps that could bring it closer to what you paid before. If you need cover while you compare, temporary car insurance with convictions is available. Here are some ways to cut what you pay.
Compare at Every Renewal
Your SP20 loading could shrink each year, but your insurer may not reduce your price automatically. Do not auto-renew. Get quotes above to check.
Consider a Telematics Policy
A black box tracks your driving habits. After an SP20, consistent safe driving data - especially while towing - could give your insurer evidence that it was a one-off.
Learn Your Towing Speed Limits
If you tow regularly, knowing the exact limits could prevent a second offence. A car towing a trailer is limited to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways. Check the GOV.UK speed limits page.
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.
Declare Towing Use Accurately
Make sure your policy reflects whether you tow trailers, caravans, or horseboxes. Accurate declarations help avoid claim disputes and could mean a fairer price.
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: You were towing, not racing. Specialist brokers understand the context behind an SP20 and could introduce you to insurers who price vehicle-type convictions more fairly. Compare above.
How to Compare SP20 Car Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes after an SP20 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 SP20
Select the SP20 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. Mention towing use if applicable.
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
An SP20 can feel unfair because you were not driving recklessly - you just did not realise your vehicle had a different speed limit. A car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway is limited to 60 mph, not 70 mph. Break that limit and you receive an SP20, not an SP30.
Millions of drivers are caught speeding each year in England and Wales, but SP20 is less common than SP30. Insurers tend to treat the points the same way regardless of the code. Research from Admiral suggests 3 points could add around 10% to your premium (as at January 2025). With 4-6 points, the increase could reach around 26%.
The frustration is understandable. You were towing safely, you just did not know the exact limit. Brokers who handle convicted drivers every day know which insurers price SP20 fairly, and that knowledge could make a real difference at renewal.
Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common SP20 Car Insurance Questions
What Is an SP20 Conviction and What Does the Code Mean?
SP20 is the DVLA code for exceeding the speed limit for your vehicle type. It usually applies when towing trailers, caravans, or horseboxes, which have lower limits than standard cars.
What Is the Difference Between SP10, SP20, SP30, and SP50?
SP10 covers goods vehicles. SP20 covers vehicle-type limits. SP30 is general speeding. SP50 is motorway only. Insurers treat all SP codes similarly when pricing.
What Speed Limits Apply When Towing a Trailer?
50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Check the GOV.UK speed limits page for full details.
How Much Does an SP20 Affect Car Insurance?
Research from Admiral suggests 3 points could add around 10% (as at January 2025). With 4-6 points, the increase could reach around 26%.
Do I Have to Declare an SP20 to My Car Insurer?
Yes. You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully, which usually means declaring your SP20 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.
How Long Does an SP20 Stay on Your Driving Licence?
Four years from the date of the offence. Most insurers ask you to declare for up to 5 years.
Can You Take a Speed Awareness Course Instead of Getting Points?
You may be offered a course if your speed was within the eligible range. It costs around £100 and avoids points, but you can only take one every 3 years for the same offence type.
What Happens if You Get an SP20 as a New Driver?
Six points within 2 years of passing means losing your licence under the New Drivers Act 1995. Even 3 SP20 points puts you halfway there.
Does an SP20 Apply to Motorhomes?
Some motorhomes carry lower speed limits, particularly those over 3.05 tonnes. Exceeding the limit for your motorhome type could result in an SP20.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who handle SP20 convictions. They contact you with quotes and there is no obligation to buy.
Related Speeding Conviction Codes
SP20 is one of five speeding endorsement codes used on UK driving licences. Each code relates to a different type of speeding offence but all carry similar convicted driver insurance implications. Here are the related SP codes.
Search & compare quotes from UK SP20 Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Speed Limits – Official speed limits for all vehicle types on UK roads, including towing limits.
- 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.
- DVLA – Check Your Licence – View your current points and convictions online.
