CU80 Car Insurance

CU80 Car Insurance: Understanding Mobile Phone Endorsements

In our increasingly connected world, the temptation to glance at a mobile phone while driving can be ever-present. However, the legal consequences for doing so in the UK are significant. If you've been caught using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel, you will almost certainly be issued a CU80 endorsement on your driving licence.

At The Comparison Expert, navigating car insurance after a conviction can feel challenging. This page is designed to clearly explain what a CU80 endorsement means for you, how it affects your driving record and insurance premiums, and crucially, how you can still find suitable and competitive car insurance in the UK.

Received a CU80? Don't let a mobile phone mistake drive up your costs indefinitely. Compare CU80 car insurance quotes today and find a policy that works for you.

What is a CU80 Endorsement?

A CU80 endorsement is a specific code recorded by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for a "breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, relating to a mobile telephone." This encompasses using a handheld mobile phone or any similar device while driving, even if you are stationary in traffic or at traffic lights. The law is broad, covering actions like making calls, sending texts, taking photos, browsing the internet, or simply checking notifications.

A CU80 offence typically results in 6 penalty points being added to your driving licence, a significant increase from the 3 points issued for offences committed before 25th March 2022. You'll also usually receive a fixed penalty fine, which is currently £200. This endorsement will remain on your driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence. It's particularly important for new drivers, as accumulating 6 or more penalty points (which a single CU80 offence now incurs) within two years of passing your test will lead to your licence being revoked. This means you would need to reapply for a provisional licence and retake both your theory and practical driving tests.

Why a CU80 Impacts Your Car Insurance

Car insurance providers assess risk diligently, and a CU80 endorsement signals a clear increase in that risk. Using a mobile phone while driving is a major distraction that significantly elevates the likelihood of an accident. This perceived higher risk directly translates into how your insurance is affected.

You should anticipate your car insurance premium increasing significantly after receiving a CU80. Insurers view this conviction as a serious indicator of risk, leading to higher costs to offset that perceived danger. With 6 points now typically associated with a CU80, the increase can be quite substantial. You might also find that fewer mainstream insurers are willing to offer you cover, or their quotes may be considerably higher than you've previously experienced. This situation underlines the critical importance of using a comprehensive comparison service to connect you with a wide range of providers, including those who specialise in covering convicted drivers. Remember: it is a legal obligation to disclose any unspent motoring convictions, including a CU80, when applying for or renewing your car insurance. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy, meaning any future claims could be refused. A CU80 generally needs to be declared for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Key Features to Consider for CU80 Car Insurance

When you're looking for car insurance with a CU80 endorsement, your focus should be on securing adequate cover while also actively managing your potential costs.

• Comprehensive cover can often be more competitively priced than Third Party, Fire & Theft, despite offering greater protection.
• Always compare all levels of cover to determine the best value for your needs.
• Be completely honest and transparent about your CU80 endorsement to ensure your policy remains valid and will pay out when needed.
• Paying your full premium upfront for the year is usually the most cost-effective option, as it avoids interest charges and additional credit checks associated with monthly payments.
• Carefully review any optional extras; while breakdown cover can provide peace of mind, other add-ons may be unnecessary if you're aiming to keep costs down.

Eligibility Criteria (General)

While the exact criteria will vary between different insurance providers, there are common factors that insurers will assess for drivers with a CU80 endorsement:

• You must hold a valid UK driving licence.
• Be prepared to provide all details of your CU80 offence, including the date and the number of penalty points.
• Insurers will consider your full driving history, including previous convictions, past claims, and any periods of disqualification.
• Standard factors such as your age, vehicle type, location, and estimated annual mileage will also influence your premium.

What Might Not Be Covered (Standard Exclusions)

A CU80 endorsement does not change the fundamental exclusions that apply to most car insurance policies. Standard exclusions typically include:

• Intentional damage to your vehicle.
• Use of your car by someone not named on your policy.
• Accidents occur while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Undeclared vehicle modifications can invalidate your cover.
• Breakdown assistance, unless specifically added as an optional extra.

Factors That Affect the Cost of CU80 Insurance

Beyond the CU80 endorsement itself, several key factors will influence the cost of your car insurance premium:

• The number of penalty points on your licence: 6 points for a CU80 is a substantial consideration.
• Your age: younger and newly qualified drivers generally face higher premiums, especially due to strict revocation rules.
• The type of vehicle you drive: high-performance or high-value cars are more expensive to insure, particularly with an endorsement.
• Your geographical location: postcodes with higher crime rates or denser traffic can increase costs.
• Estimated annual mileage: Lower mileage may help offset some of the increased cost associated with the endorsement.

How to Get Car Insurance with a CU80 Endorsement

Finding suitable car insurance with a CU80 endorsement requires a focused approach:

• Always declare your CU80 conviction honestly and accurately when asked by an insurer; it is a legal requirement.
• Use a comprehensive comparison service like the one available via The Comparison Expert to access a broad panel of insurers, including those specialising in convicted driver insurance.
• If mainstream insurers quote high prices, consider a specialist broker who may have access to bespoke schemes for drivers with convictions.
• Reduce your perceived risk where possible: increase your voluntary excess, reduce annual mileage if appropriate, enhance vehicle security, or consider a lower insurance group car.
• Explore telematics (black box) policies, which can reward safe driving habits and potentially lead to lower premiums if the CU80 is your only recent conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a CU80 endorsement stay on my licence?
A CU80 endorsement remains on your driving record for 4 years from the date the offence occurred.

Will a CU80 increase my car insurance premium?
Yes, your car insurance premium will likely increase significantly. Insurers view using a mobile phone while driving as a serious offence that indicates increased risk, leading to higher premiums. The exact increase will vary based on your circumstances and the insurer.

Can a CU80 lead to me losing my driving licence?
Yes, particularly for new drivers who passed their test within the last two years. Accumulating 6 or more penalty points (which a CU80 now typically incurs) within this probationary period will lead to your licence being revoked. For experienced drivers, accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to a driving disqualification under the 'totting up' system.

Do I have to tell my insurer about a CU80 straight away?
Yes, you are typically required to inform your insurer about any new motoring convictions as soon as reasonably possible, not just at renewal time. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy, leaving you uninsured in the event of a claim.

Don't let a CU80 hold you back. Compare tailored car insurance quotes via The Comparison Expert today!