Car Insurance for Drivers with Penalty Points in the UK (2025 Guide)
Having penalty points on your licence can make finding affordable car insurance in the UK a challenge. Insurers consider penalty points a sign of increased risk, which often leads to higher premiums or even policy refusals. However, with the right strategy, you can still secure fair, competitive insurance as a high-risk driver.
This complete guide explains how penalty points impact your insurance, what options are available, and how to lower your premiums in 2025.
How Penalty Points Affect Your Car Insurance
Each penalty point reflects an offence, such as speeding or using a mobile phone while driving. Insurers use this data to calculate your risk profile. More points generally mean a higher premium, but the exact increase depends on the nature and age of the offence.
- 3–6 points: minor increase in premium (typically 10–25%)
- 7–9 points: moderate risk (premiums may rise 30–60%)
- 10+ points: high-risk category (specialist insurers recommended)
Insurers also look at when the points were added. Offences older than three years usually have less impact, but all points remain visible for up to four years on your licence.
Do All Insurers Accept Drivers with Penalty Points?
No. Many mainstream insurers automatically reject applications from drivers with multiple convictions or recent offences. However, there are specialist high-risk insurers in the UK that cater specifically to this group, such as:
- Adrian Flux
- Hastings Direct (Specialist Division)
- RCIB (Right Choice Insurance Brokers)
- Sky Insurance
These companies manually review your driving history and can offer tailored quotes rather than relying solely on algorithms.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium After Penalty Points
While penalty points increase costs, several strategies can help reduce your premium and rebuild trust with insurers:
1. Choose a Specialist High-Risk Insurer
Standard comparison sites rarely display quotes from specialist providers. Use a dedicated high-risk car insurance comparison tool or contact brokers directly for more personalised results.
2. Complete a Driver Awareness or Speed Awareness Course
Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete DVSA-approved courses. This demonstrates responsibility and reduces perceived risk.
3. Install a Telematics (Black Box) Device
Telematics insurance tracks driving behaviour and rewards safe habits with discounts. For high-risk drivers, this can reduce premiums by 20–40% over 12 months.
4. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
Monthly payments include interest and credit risk. Paying upfront eliminates financing costs and signals reliability to insurers.
5. Keep Your Car Secure
Parking in a locked garage or using an approved immobiliser can reduce theft risk. Mentioning these security details accurately often lowers premiums by 5–10%.
6. Drive Safely and Build a No-Claims Bonus (NCB)
Maintaining a clean record for 12+ months after penalty points proves rehabilitation. Each year without claims strengthens your NCB, significantly lowering premiums over time.
When Do Penalty Points Stop Affecting Insurance?
Penalty points remain on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence, but insurers typically only consider them for 3 years when calculating premiums. After this period, the impact gradually reduces — assuming no further offences occur.
Always check your driving licence record on GOV.UK to confirm point expiry dates.
Can You Hide Penalty Points from Insurers?
No — and you shouldn’t try to. Failing to disclose penalty points counts as “non-disclosure”, which can invalidate your policy. Always declare all active points when requesting quotes.
Average Insurance Cost for Drivers with Penalty Points in 2025
Premiums vary depending on offence type, age, and vehicle. Based on 2025 averages:
- 3 points (SP30 speeding): £870/year average
- 6 points: £1,120/year average
- 9 points: £1,450/year average
- 12+ points: £1,900+ from specialist providers
For comparison, clean drivers average £690/year. The difference shows why rebuilding your driving record is essential for long-term savings.
Is There “Penalty Points Insurance” in the UK?
Some brokers market products under this name, but it’s not a separate insurance type. It’s simply high-risk car insurance specifically designed for drivers with endorsements or convictions.
Final Tips for Getting Fair Insurance Quotes
- Compare quotes 3–4 weeks before renewal for best pricing.
- Use at least one specialist high-risk broker.
- Provide accurate personal and vehicle data.
- Review excess levels carefully (avoid excessive voluntary excess).
- Keep proof of any completed driver courses.
Penalty points don’t have to define your driving future. With careful planning and responsible driving, you can regain affordable cover and improve your record over time.
For more advice, see our complete High-Risk Car Insurance UK Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do penalty points affect insurance in the UK?
Usually up to 3 years for insurance purposes, though they remain on your licence for 4 years. After 3 years, their impact lessens significantly.
Can I get car insurance with 9 penalty points?
Yes. You’ll likely need a specialist high-risk insurer who manually reviews your case. Expect to pay a higher premium but not necessarily double.
Do insurers check driving licence points?
Yes. All UK insurers can verify your record with the DVLA before confirming your quote, so always declare points honestly.
Can a speed awareness course reduce my insurance costs?
Yes. Completing a DVSA-approved course shows insurers you’re proactive about safety, often leading to small premium reductions.