Having points on your licence or a driving conviction doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. It does mean your options and prices may be different. Here's what to understand when comparing.
When you apply for car insurance, you're required to declare any unspent driving convictions, penalty points, and endorsements. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy.
Insurers use this information as part of their risk assessment. Generally, drivers with convictions are quoted higher premiums because they're considered a higher risk. The severity of the offence, the number of points, and how recent the conviction is all play a role in how much more you may be asked to pay.
| Code | Offence | Points | Stays on licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3–6 | 4 years |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3–6 | 4 years |
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6–8 | 4 years |
| CU80 | Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone use) | 3–6 | 4 years |
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the limit | 3–11 | 11 years |
| CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3–9 | 4 years |
Source: DVLA endorsement codes. This is not a complete list. Conviction periods may vary depending on circumstances.
Not all insurers will offer cover to drivers with convictions, and some may decline to quote depending on the type and severity of the offence. This is particularly common with more serious convictions such as drink driving (DR10) or dangerous driving offences.
Comparing quotes from a wide panel of insurers can help identify which providers are willing to offer cover for your specific circumstances. Some insurers specialise in non-standard risks and may be more likely to quote for drivers with points.
Worth knowing: You must declare all unspent convictions when applying for insurance. If you're unsure whether a conviction is "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, check the conviction dates on your driving licence or contact the DVLA.
Most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years, although some ask about longer periods (particularly for drink or drug driving offences). Even after points have been removed from your licence, insurers may still ask about the conviction for a longer period.
The impact on your premium typically reduces over time as the conviction ages, assuming no further offences are committed.
General information only. Not financial or legal advice. Always check policy terms and declare convictions accurately.
*51% of consumers could save £535.17 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd's insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from May 2026 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
** Correct as of June 2025.
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