At a glance (quick summary)
- Speeding points can lead to higher insurance costs, so your premium may go up
- The more points you have, the bigger the impact on your insurance
- Even 3 penalty points can increase the cost of your insurance, although the impact varies between drivers and insurers.
- You must declare points when applying for insurance, or your policy could be invalid
- Points stay on your record for 4 to 11 years, depending on the offence
- You’ll usually need to declare penalty points to insurers for 5 years from the date of the offence, although requirements can vary between insurers
- You may still be able to get temporary insurance with convictions if you meet the eligibility criteria
You’ve just received speeding points, and now you’re wondering what it means for your insurance. Will your premium go up? Will you still be able to get cover?
If you’re worried about speeding points and their effect on car insurance, you’re not alone. Many drivers face the same questions after a conviction, especially for common offences like SP30. However, having points on your licence doesn’t automatically stop you from getting insured.
In this guide, we’ll explain how points affect your insurance, what insurers look for and what options you may have. We’ll also touch on how short-term cover could be an option in some situations, so you can feel more informed and in control.
What do speeding points mean for your car insurance?
Speeding points tell insurers that you’ve committed a driving offence. This usually means you’re seen as a higher risk compared to someone with a clean licence.
Because of this, your premium will often increase. This is often referred to as a penalty points insurance increase, and it reflects the higher chance of a future claim in the eyes of the insurer.
That said, the impact isn’t the same for everyone. Insurers will look at:
- How many points you have
- The type of offence
- How recently it happened
- Your overall driving history
For example, a single minor offence may have less impact than multiple or more serious convictions. Some insurers may also refuse cover if the risk is too high, especially if you have a high number of points on your license.
What is an SP30 and why does it matter?
SP30 is one of the most common driving convictions in the UK. It means you were caught exceeding the speed limit on a public road.
Because it’s so common, many drivers with points are dealing with this exact situation. When it comes to insurance, it’s important to remember that the impact of an SP30 conviction can vary depending on the circumstances of the offence.
Factors that may affect the outcome include:
- How far above the speed limit you were driving
- The speed limit on the road where the offence occurred
- Whether you received penalty points, a larger penalty or a driving disqualification
- Your overall driving history
Even though SP30 is a common conviction, it can still affect your insurance premium. Insurers will consider the details of the offence when assessing your risk.
The key thing to remember is that an SP30 conviction won’t always prevent you from getting insurance cover, but eligibility and pricing will depend on your individual circumstances.
How much do 3 points affect insurance?
For many drivers, 3 points is where premiums start to change. This is the most common outcome for minor speeding offences.
In terms of getting car insurance with 3 points, the impact is usually noticeable but not extreme. For example:
- Your premium may increase, although the amount varies between drivers and insurers
- The exact cost will depend on factors such as your age, location, vehicle and driving history
While this increase can feel frustrating, it’s still relatively manageable compared to higher point totals. Most insurers will still offer cover, although prices may vary more between providers.
If you’re comparing options, short-term cover could be something to consider depending on your situation.
How many points affect insurance the most?
The number of points on your licence plays a big role in how insurers assess your risk.
Here’s a simple way to understand the typical progression:
- 1 to 3 points
- Smaller increase in premium
- Most drivers still have plenty of options
- 4 to 6 points
- More noticeable increase, often around 25 percent
- Fewer insurers may be willing to offer cover
- 7 to 9 points
- Larger increase, sometimes around 45 percent
- Limited choice of insurers
- 9 or more points
- Very high premiums
- Some drivers may struggle to find cover at all
This is why it’s important to understand your situation early and explore your options before your next renewal.
How long do speeding points stay on your licence?
Speeding points don’t stay on your licence forever, but they do remain for a set period.
In most cases:
- Points stay on your record for 4 to 11 years
- You typically only need to declare them for 5 years from the date of the offence when applying for insurance, although requirements can vary between insurers.
This is an important part of understanding how driving licence points affect your insurance.. Even though points may still be visible on your record, they won’t always affect your insurance after a certain point.
You might hear the term “spent” when talking about convictions. This simply means:
- After 5 years, the points no longer need to be declared
- Insurers shouldn’t use them when assessing your application
Knowing this can help you plan ahead and get a better idea of when your premiums may start to improve.
Do I need to tell my insurer about speeding points?
Yes, you must always declare any points that are still within the disclosure period.
This is very important when trying to get vehicle insurance with a speeding conviction, and it’s taken seriously by insurers.
If you don’t declare penalty points when asked by an insurer, which is a legal requirement, you could face several consequences:
- Your policy could be made invalid
- A future claim could be rejected
- You could face further complications when applying for insurance later
It might feel tempting to leave them out, especially if you think the impact is small. But being honest is always the safest option.
Clear and accurate information helps insurers give you the right cover and avoids problems later on.
Can you still get car insurance with points on your licence?
In the majority of cases, yes, you can still get insured if you have points on your licence.
Many drivers with convictions find cover each year. Insurers will look at:
- The number of points
- The type of offence
- How recent the conviction is
Some insurers may decline higher-risk drivers, especially if there are multiple or serious convictions. Other specialist insurers may be willing to provide cover, although premiums are often higher.
This means you may need to compare more options, but having points on your licence doesn’t automatically mean you won’t be able to get insured.
Can you get temporary insurance with convictions?
Dayinsure may be able to offer temporary car insurance for some drivers with points, depending on their circumstances.
Eligibility criteria apply, so not everyone will qualify. When you apply, we’ll assess things like your age, driving history and the type of conviction to see if cover can be offered.
Temporary cover can be useful if:
- You only drive occasionally
- You need to borrow a car for a short time
- You don’t want to change an existing annual policy
For example, if you’re borrowing a car for a few days, temporary cover can give you flexibility without committing to a full annual policy. You can also explore flexible options like one day car insurance if you need short-term cover, whether you’re driving your own car or borrowing a friend or relative’s car.
What should you do next?
If you’ve received points, taking a few simple steps can help you stay in control of your insurance:
- Check your driving licence record online to confirm your points and conviction code
- Make sure you understand how your points affect your driving licence points and your insurance costs.
- Compare different insurance options before renewing
- Consider flexible solutions like short-term cover if they suit your needs
Taking action early can help you avoid surprises and find cover that works for you.
What it all means for you
Speeding points can affect your insurance, but they don’t always stop you from driving or getting cover.
Whether you have 3 points or more, taking the time to research your options can make a big difference. It helps you manage costs, stay compliant and feel more confident when arranging insurance.
If you need flexibility, short-term cover could be a useful option alongside traditional policies. Get a quote for flexible temporary car insurance in minutes and see what works for you.
Speeding points and car insurance FAQs
Do speeding points affect car insurance straight away?
Yes. Once points are added to your licence, they can affect your premium when you next apply for insurance or renew your policy.
What does SP30 mean on a driving licence?
SP30 means you exceeded the speed limit on a public road. It’s one of the most common driving offences in the UK.
Can I still get car insurance with 3 points?
Yes. Many drivers can still get car insurance with 3 points, although premiums may be higher than for someone with a clean licence and your choice of insurers may be more limited.
How many points can you have before insurance becomes difficult?
The more points you have, the harder it can be to find affordable cover. Higher totals increase risk in the eyes of insurers, which can limit your options.
Can you get temporary insurance with speeding points?
You may be able to get temporary insurance with convictions if you meet the provider’s eligibility criteria.
Do I need to declare expired points?
No. Once points are expired and no longer within the disclosure period, you don’t need to declare them to insurers.
