Over 110 car insurance providers
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
Can You Get Car Insurance with Points on Your Licence?
Yes, you can get car insurance if you have penalty points on your licence. All UK drivers are legally required to have at least third-party cover, and insurers cannot refuse to quote you solely because of points. However, drivers with points are considered higher risk, which typically means higher premiums and fewer insurers willing to offer competitive rates.
The number of points, the type of offence, and how recently you were convicted all influence your options and costs.
How Do Points on Your Licence Affect Car Insurance Costs?
Insurers assess your driving record when calculating premiums. Penalty points signal risky behaviour, which increases the likelihood of a claim. The impact on your premium depends on several factors:
- Type of offence: Minor speeding offences (SP30) typically cause a smaller increase than serious convictions such as drink driving (DR10) or driving without insurance (IN10)
- Number of points: Three points have a modest impact, but six or more can significantly raise costs or lead to declined quotes
- Recency: Recent points affect premiums more than older convictions
- Your driving history: A clean record otherwise can help offset the impact
Common Offences and Their Impact
- 3 points for speeding: Usually increases your premium by 10-30%
- 6 points for multiple offences: Can double your premium or more
- 6+ points for serious offences (drink driving, no insurance): May result in premiums several times higher than standard rates, or outright refusal from mainstream insurers
How Long Do Points Affect Your Car Insurance?
Penalty points remain on your DVLA record for either four or 11 years, depending on the offence. However, insurers typically ask about convictions from the past five years when you apply for cover or renew.
You must declare points accurately, even if they no longer carry active penalty points, if they fall within the insurer’s disclosure period. Failing to declare points can invalidate your policy, meaning your insurer could refuse to pay out on a claim.
How to Find Car Insurance If You Have Points on Your Licence
While mainstream insurers may offer quotes, specialist insurers often provide more competitive rates for drivers with points or convictions. These providers understand the market and price risk more accurately.
Where to Look
- Comparison sites: These let you compare multiple insurers at once and identify which providers accept drivers with points
- Specialist brokers: Brokers who work with convicted driver insurers can access policies not available through comparison sites
- Direct insurers: Some insurers specialise in higher-risk drivers and may offer better terms
What Information You’ll Need
- Type of conviction (e.g. SP30, DR10)
- Date of conviction
- Number of points received
- Details of any other convictions or claims
Be prepared to provide complete and accurate information. Insurers verify records with the DVLA, and discrepancies can lead to refused claims or cancelled policies.
Tips to Lower Your Premium with Points
Even with points on your licence, you can take steps to reduce your car insurance costs:
- Compare extensively: Insurers assess points differently, so get quotes from as many providers as possible
- Consider telematics insurance: Black box policies monitor your driving and reward safe behaviour, which can offset the impact of points
- Increase your voluntary excess: Agreeing to pay more towards a claim can lower your premium, but make sure you can afford it
- Choose a lower-risk vehicle: Smaller, lower-powered cars in lower insurance groups are cheaper to insure
- Limit your mileage: The fewer miles you drive, the lower your risk and premium
- Build no claims discount: Protect your existing discount if possible, or start building one if you’re a new policyholder
- Add a named driver: Including an experienced driver with a clean record can sometimes reduce costs (but they must actually drive the car)
- Pay annually: Monthly instalments include interest, so paying upfront saves money
While older drivers may find more options available, drivers of all ages with points can benefit from comparing quotes. For instance, drivers over 40 often have more established driving histories that can help balance recent points.
What Happens If You Get More Points During Your Policy?
If you receive additional penalty points after your policy starts, you must inform your insurer immediately. This is a material change to your risk profile.
Your insurer may:
- Increase your premium for the remainder of the term
- Adjust your policy terms or excess
- Cancel your policy (though this is less common unless points push you into an unacceptable risk category)
Not informing your insurer of new points can invalidate your cover, leaving you uninsured and facing serious legal and financial consequences.
Which Insurers Offer the Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Points?
There is no single “best” insurer for drivers with points. Acceptance criteria and pricing vary significantly between providers, and what works for one driver may not suit another.
Specialist insurers in this market include:
- Providers who focus on convicted drivers
- Brokers who access non-standard markets
- Some mainstream insurers who accept higher-risk profiles
The cheapest option depends on your specific circumstances: the type and number of points, your age, vehicle, location, and driving history. This is why comparing quotes from multiple sources is essential.
Compare Car Insurance Options If You Have Licence Points
Having penalty points on your licence makes finding affordable car insurance more challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Specialist insurers exist specifically to cover drivers in your situation, and comparing quotes helps you find the most competitive rate.
Be honest about your driving record, compare as many insurers as possible, and consider steps like telematics policies or choosing a lower-risk vehicle to reduce costs.
Ready to compare car insurance with points? Use the button on screen to get your quote and find cover that fits your circumstances.
