SP50 Car Insurance

SP50 Car Insurance: Understanding Motorway Speeding Endorsements

Receiving a speeding endorsement on your driving licence can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're concerned about how it will affect your car insurance. If you've been caught exceeding the speed limit on a motorway in the UK, you'll likely have an SP50 endorsement on your licence.

At The Comparison Expert, we understand that navigating insurance with a conviction can feel complicated. This page explains what an SP50 means, how it impacts your driving record and insurance premiums, and most importantly, how you can still find competitive car insurance.

Received an SP50? Don't let it put the brakes on your insurance search. Compare SP50 car insurance quotes today and find a policy that works for you.

What is an SP50 Endorsement?

An SP50 endorsement is a specific code used by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to record a speeding offence committed on a motorway.

• Offence: Exceeding the speed limit on a motorway.
• Penalty Points: An SP50 typically results in 3 to 6 penalty points being added to your driving licence, depending on the severity of the offence and the court's decision.
• Duration on Licence: The SP50 endorsement remains on your driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

It's important to distinguish an SP50 from other speeding codes, such as SP30 (exceeding the speed limit on a public road), as insurers may view different speeding offences with varying levels of risk.

Why an SP50 Impacts Your Car Insurance

Car insurance providers assess risk when calculating your premium. Having an SP50 endorsement signals that you've committed a motoring offence, which can indicate a higher risk of future incidents.

• Increased Premiums: Insurers usually view drivers with endorsements as higher risk, so you can expect your car insurance premium to rise compared to a clean license. The extent of the increase depends on the number of points and your overall driving history.
• Limited Options: While you can still get car insurance with an SP50, you may find fewer mainstream insurers willing to offer you a policy, or their quotes may be significantly higher. This makes comparing widely even more important.
• Disclosure Requirement: You are legally required to disclose any unspent motoring convictions, including an SP50, when applying for or renewing car insurance. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy, meaning future claims could be refused. An SP50 must be declared for 4 years from the date of the offence, though some insurers may ask about convictions within the last 5 years.

Key Features to Consider for SP50 Car Insurance

When looking for car insurance with an SP50 endorsement, focus on these points:

• Comprehensive Cover: Sometimes, comprehensive cover offers better value and protection than third-party options. Always compare comprehensive quotes alongside other levels of cover.
• Honest Disclosure: Always be transparent about your SP50 endorsement. This ensures your policy is valid and will pay out if you need to make a claim.
• Payment Method: If you can afford to pay your premium annually in one lump sum, it's often cheaper than monthly instalments, as you avoid interest charges and potential credit checks.
• Policy Add-ons: Consider optional extras carefully. Some, like breakdown cover or legal expenses, offer peace of mind, but others may be unnecessary if you're looking to keep costs down.

Eligibility Criteria (General)

While criteria vary by insurer, here are common considerations for drivers with an SP50:

• Valid UK Driving Licence: You must hold a valid UK licence.
• Endorsement Details: Be prepared to provide the SP50 code, the date of the offence, and the number of penalty points received.
• Other Driving History: Any other convictions, claims, or disqualifications will also be taken into account.
• Standard Factors: Your age, vehicle type, location, and annual mileage will still play a significant role in your premium.

What Might Not Be Covered (Standard Exclusions)

An SP50 endorsement doesn't change the standard exclusions of a car insurance policy. Common exclusions include:

• Intentional Damage: Deliberate damage to your vehicle.
• Unauthorised Driving: If someone drives your car who isn't named on your policy (unless your policy includes 'driving other cars' cover).
• Driving Under Influence: Accidents caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Undeclared Modifications: If you've made modifications to your vehicle that haven't been declared to your insurer.
• Mechanical Breakdowns: Standard car insurance does not include breakdown assistance unless specifically added as an optional extra.

Factors That Affect the Cost of SP50 Insurance

Beyond the SP50 endorsement itself, several key factors will influence the cost of your car insurance premium:

• Number of Penalty Points: More points generally mean higher premiums.
• Severity of Offence: The context (e.g., how far over the limit you were) can influence an insurer's risk assessment.
• Your Age: Younger drivers with an SP50 often face higher increases than older, more experienced drivers.
• Vehicle Type: High-performance or high-value cars are more expensive to insure with any endorsement.
• Location: Postcodes with higher crime rates or traffic density can increase costs.
• Annual Mileage: Lower mileage can help offset some of the increased cost from the endorsement.

How to Get Car Insurance with an SP50 Endorsement

Finding suitable car insurance with an SP50 endorsement is about being proactive and comparing your options:

• Gather Your Details: Have your driving licence, SP50 offence date, and points to hand.
• Use a Comparison Site: Start with a comprehensive comparison service. We provide access to a wide panel of insurers, including those specialising in convicted driver insurance, to help you find competitive quotes.
• Consider Specialist Brokers: If mainstream insurers offer high quotes, a specialist broker may be able to find more tailored options.
• Optimise Other Factors: Reduce your risk in other areas: increase your voluntary excess (if affordable), reduce annual mileage if appropriate, enhance vehicle security, or consider a lower insurance group car.
• Explore Telematics: A black box policy can sometimes help demonstrate safe driving and potentially lower premiums, especially if your SP50 is your only recent conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does an SP50 stay on my driving licence?
An SP50 endorsement stays on your record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Will an SP50 always increase my car insurance premium?
Yes, it's highly likely. Insurers view any motoring conviction as an increased risk, which typically results in a higher premium. The exact increase depends on the number of points, your age, and other personal factors.

Can I get car insurance with an SP50 if I'm a new driver?
Yes, but it will be more expensive. New drivers face stricter rules: accumulating 6 or more points (including an SP50) within 2 years of passing your test can lead to your licence being revoked and require you to retake both theory and practical tests.

Should I tell my current insurer about a new SP50 endorsement?
Yes, you are typically required to inform your insurer about any new motoring convictions as soon as reasonably possible, not just at renewal. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy.

Don't let an SP50 derail your insurance search. Compare tailored car insurance quotes via The Comparison Expert today!