Car Insurance for Drivers with Penalty Points

Accumulating penalty points on your driving licence can significantly impact your car insurance premiums and options. Understanding how these endorsements affect your insurance and exploring tailored solutions can help you find affordable coverage.

Understanding Penalty Points and Their Impact

In the UK, driving offences are penalised with endorsements—commonly known as penalty points—added to your driving licence. These points remain on your licence for a specified period, depending on the offence, and can lead to increased insurance premiums or even policy refusals from standard insurers.

Prevalence of Penalty Points Among UK Drivers

Recent statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) provide insight into the prevalence of penalty points among UK drivers:

• In 2022, approximately 2.52 million drivers in England and Wales were issued fixed penalty notices for speeding offences, representing about 6% of the driving population. (DfT Vehicle Speed Compliance Statistics 2023)
• In 2023, 203,801 individuals were found guilty of speed limit offences, an 8% decrease compared to the previous year but an 85% increase since 2011. (Fleet News)
• Additionally, 1.78 million drivers attended speed awareness courses in 2023, a 9% increase from the previous year and a 131% rise since 2011. (Fleet News)

Common Driving Offences Leading to Penalty Points

Understanding the most frequent driving offences can help in addressing risky behaviours and avoiding future penalties. The top offences include:

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is the most common driving offence in the UK. In 2022, 2.52 million drivers were issued fixed penalty notices for speeding offences. (DfT Vehicle Speed Compliance Statistics 2023)

Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

Despite strict laws, many drivers continue to use handheld mobile phones while driving. In autumn 2023, 0.3% of all vehicle drivers in England were observed using a mobile phone whilst driving on weekdays. (DfT Mobile Phone Use by Drivers: England 2023)

Driving Without Insurance

Operating a vehicle without valid insurance is a serious offence. While specific figures for 2022 are not readily available, driving without insurance remains a significant concern. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) estimates that uninsured and untraced drivers kill 130 people and injure 26,000 every year in the UK. (MIB News, January 2023)

Careless or Dangerous Driving

Behaviours such as aggressive driving, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals fall under careless or dangerous driving. Specific statistics for 2022 are not readily available, but these offences continue to be a focus for road safety authorities.

Failure to Comply with Traffic Signals

Disregarding traffic lights and signs is a common offence. While exact figures for 2022 are not specified, failure to comply with traffic signals remains a significant issue on UK roads.

Finding Car Insurance with Penalty Points

Having penalty points can make securing car insurance more challenging, as insurers may view you as a higher risk. However, several strategies can help you find suitable coverage:

Specialist Insurance Providers

Some insurers specialise in policies for drivers with endorsements. These providers understand the challenges and can offer tailored policies that consider your specific circumstances.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Utilising comparison tools and consulting with insurance brokers can help you explore various options and find competitive rates, even with penalty points on your licence.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Committing to safe driving practices and avoiding further offences can improve your risk profile over time, potentially leading to better insurance offers in the future.

Understanding Endorsement Codes

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) assigns specific codes to different driving offences. Familiarising yourself with these codes can help you understand the implications of each offence. For a comprehensive list of endorsement codes and their corresponding penalty points, visit the official DVLA page: DVLA Endorsement Codes and Penalty Points.