Gaining points on your driving licence is something most motorists strive to avoid. However, slip-ups happen, and understanding the implications of accumulating points is essential for every driver. This guide explains the points system, how many points could lead to a ban, and the repercussions for your car insurance.
How many points can you have on your licence?
In the UK, if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, you're at risk of being disqualified from driving. For new drivers, the limit is much lower; accruing six points within two years of passing your driving test means your licence will be revoked. You'll then need to retake both the theory and practical tests. This stricter rule aims to encourage safer driving habits among new motorists.
What legal consequences do points on your licence carry?
The accumulation of points can lead to various legal consequences, ranging from fines to a potential driving ban. The specific outcomes depend on the nature of the violations. Points are usually accompanied by a fine, and if the threshold for disqualification is reached, a ban from driving for a certain period is imposed. The duration of this ban can vary, with six months being the starting point for accumulating 12 points over three years.
How do points affect your car insurance?
Points on your licence are a red flag for insurers. They're seen as indicators of risky driving behaviour, which can lead to higher insurance premiums. Here's a closer look at the impact:
- Increased premiums: Insurers consider drivers with points to be at higher risk of making a claim, which often results in higher insurance costs.
- Harder to find cover: Some insurers might refuse to offer cover to drivers with a significant number of points on their licence, narrowing down your options.
- Disclosure is mandatory: When applying for insurance, you must disclose any points on your licence. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.
How many points can you have on your driving licence?Can you find insurance with points on your licence?
Finding affordable insurance with points on your licence is more difficult but not impossible. There are steps you can take to improve your situation:
- Shop around: Always compare quotes from multiple insurers. Some companies specialise in providing cover for drivers with points.
- Consider a higher excess: Opting for a higher voluntary excess can help lower your premiums, but ensure it???s an amount you can afford to pay in case of a claim.
- Look into specialist insurers: Some insurers offer policies specifically designed for motorists with convictions or points on their licence.
- Improve your driving: Enrolling in and completing courses like the Pass Plus can demonstrate to insurers that you're committed to safe driving.
While points on your licence can make finding affordable car insurance more difficult, they don't mark the end of the road. Being proactive, honest, and patient in your search can lead to finding a suitable policy. Remember, points on your licence will not stay there forever; they eventually expire, and with careful driving, you can keep your record clean moving forward.
Looking for insurance but worried about points on your licence? Click the quote button for convicted driver vehicle insurance quotes. It's a step towards finding a policy that acknowledges your past driving issues whilst helping you move forward on better terms.
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