How penalty points affect working as a van courier

Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert

17/09/2025
speeding courier van

Why Penalty Points Matter for Couriers

Penalty points on your licence make insurers see you as higher risk. Whether they come from speeding, phone use or other offences, they increase the chance of future claims in the eyes of insurers. For couriers, who already face long hours and busy roads, that can make cover noticeably more expensive.

Typical Impact of Points

The more points you have, the more your premium is likely to rise:

  • 3–6 points (minor speeding): small increase, often around 10–30%
  • 6–9 points (multiple offences): premiums may climb 30–50%
  • 10+ points or serious offences: some insurers may refuse cover altogether

Exact increases vary, but the key takeaway is that points always push costs up.

Even with points, you still need specialist protection to work as a courier. The basic requirement is a policy that allows you to carry goods for payment. On top of that, most drivers choose to add protection for the parcels they carry and for interactions with customers. For a full overview, see our courier insurance page.

Reducing the Cost if You Have Points

There are still steps you can take to keep premiums manageable:

  • Drive safely to avoid new penalties and show insurers you’re improving
  • Choose a smaller or less powerful van if you’re just starting out
  • Install telematics or a black box to prove careful driving
  • Pay annually if you can, to avoid monthly interest charges
  • Compare multiple providers rather than sticking with one option

Building Back Trust With Insurers

Penalty points don’t stay on your licence forever. As they expire and you prove you can drive responsibly, insurers may gradually reduce your premiums. Building up a no-claims discount over the same period will also help.

If you’re new to delivery work, you may also find our guide on what insurance you need to deliver parcels with a van useful.

Final Thoughts

Points on your licence make it harder and more expensive to get insured as a courier, but they don’t have to stop you working. By comparing options, improving your driving record and being smart with your vehicle choice, you can keep costs under control and protect your income.