Do penalty points affect insurance

If you’ve picked up penalty points on your driving licence, you might be wondering how much that will increase your car insurance. The answer is: almost certainly, yes, but by how much depends on the number of points, the severity of the offenses, and how long ago they happened.

Quick Definition

Penalty points raise your insurance premiums because insurers see them as a signal you’re more likely to make future claims. How much your premium increases depends on your driving record and the type of offense.

How Penalty Points Impact Your Insurance

• Every insurer treats penalty points as a risk factor. More serious convictions (or more points) usually mean a bigger premium increase. 

• According to one insurer’s data, having 1–3 points for certain offenses (like using a mobile phone while driving) can raise premiums by around 34%, while 7+ points for the same offense can push that increase to 94% or more. 

• Different offenses carry different risk. For example, minor speeding carries a smaller premium hike than more serious convictions. 

• According to some data, penalty points can increase your insurance by 5% to 35%, depending on the number and severity of the points. 

How Long Do Points Influence Your Premiums?

• Points typically remain on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, depending on your location and the offense. 

• Insurers often check your driving history when you renew your policy, so even “old” points can affect your rate at renewal. 

• After points expire or are removed, your premiums may go down — but that depends on your insurer. 

Other Insurance Impacts of Penalty Points

• In some cases, insurers might refuse to cover you if you have too many points or very serious convictions. 

• Having points might disqualify you from certain “clean-driver” or “safe-driver” discounts. 

• You may be legally required to declare all driving offenses when getting a quote or renewing — failing to do so can lead to denied claims or cancelled policies. 

What You Can Do to Handle the Cost

1. Be Honest — Always disclose your driving convictions when asked by your insurer.

2. Compare Quotes — Different insurers weigh penalty points differently — shop around.

3. Consider Higher Deductible — A higher deductible may reduce your monthly premium, helping offset point-related increases. 

4. Stay Clean Going Forward — No new convictions helps; points expire, and your record can improve.

5. Take a Defensive Driving Course — Some insurers may view this favorably, depending on your region.

FAQ

Q1: Do all penalty points affect my premium?
Yes — any points typically lead to a higher premium, though the increase depends on how many you have and what the offense was. 

Q2: What if I only have 1 or 2 points?
Even a few points can raise your premium — but the effect is generally smaller compared to having many points. 

Q3: Do I need to tell my insurer immediately after getting points?
You should check your policy. Some require immediate notification, others may allow you to update at renewal. 

Q4: Can insurance go down after points expire?
Yes — once the points are off your record (or no longer count), your premiums may fall if your insurer re-evaluates your risk.

Q5: Is there a point where I’m “too risky” to insure?
Potentially. Very high point totals or serious driving offenses may lead some insurers to refuse coverage. 

Final Summary

Penalty points on your driving licence almost always lead to higher car insurance premiums. How much depends on how many points you have, what the offenses were, and how recent they are. To manage the impact, be honest with your insurer, compare quotes, and work on keeping a clean driving record.

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