What happens if you don't declare licence points to an insurer?

So, you've racked up some points on your driving licence. It's not the best situation, but it's not the end of the world, right? Well, it could become a bigger issue if you decide not to tell your car insurance provider about those points. Let's dive into why that's a bad idea and what could happen if you keep mum about your penalty points.

Why is honesty the best policy with insurers?

When you apply for or renew your car insurance, insurers ask about any points on your driving licence for a reason. They're trying to gauge how much of a risk you pose on the road. Penalty points are a red flag, indicating past mistakes. Not sharing this information is seen as withholding key details, which can have serious consequences down the line.

What happens if you don't declare your points?

• Your insurance could be invalidated: If your insurer finds out you've been less than honest, they can declare your policy invalid from the start. This means if you've had an accident and need to claim, you could find yourself without any cover.
• Future insurance costs could skyrocket: Getting insurance in the future could become a more expensive ordeal. Once you've had a policy invalidated, you'll need to declare this when applying for new insurance, putting you in a higher risk category.
• You could be accused of fraud: In the most severe cases, not declaring points can be seen as insurance fraud, which is a criminal offence. This could lead to prosecution, fines, or even a prison sentence.

Clearly, the risks of not declaring points outweigh the temporary relief of potentially lower premiums.

Can your insurer find out about undeclared points?

You might wonder how likely it is that your insurer will uncover the truth. Well, it's quite likely. Insurers have access to the DVLA's database through the MyLicence system, allowing them to check your driving record, including any penalty points. Even if they don't check at the time of application, a future claim could prompt a more thorough investigation into your history.

What are the legal implications?

Aside from the potential accusation of insurance fraud, there are other legal implications to consider. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance is invalidated due to nondisclosure of points, you could be held personally liable for damages. This could include costly compensation payments to anyone injured or property damaged in the incident.

How do you rectify the situation if you've already withheld information?

If you're reading this and realising you've made a mistake by not declaring your points, it's not too late to rectify the situation. The best course of action is to come clean to your insurer. Yes, your premiums might increase, but this is a far better outcome than the potential fallout of continuing to withhold information. Most insurers will appreciate your honesty and can adjust your policy accordingly.

What about when your points expire?

Points on your licence typically expire after four years, but you're legally required to declare them to insurers for five years. After this period, you're no longer required to disclose them, but it's always a good idea to check the specific requirements of your insurance provider, as some may have their own rules.

How can you find insurance that's understanding of your situation?

Finding car insurance after acquiring points can seem daunting, but there are insurers out there who specialize in providing cover for drivers with a less-than-perfect record. Here's how to find them:

• Use comparison websites to get a broad view of the options available to you. Look specifically for providers who offer cover for drivers with points or convictions.
• Consider speaking to a broker. They have the expertise to find the best deals for drivers in unique situations and can often negotiate better terms on your behalf.
• Be upfront and honest about your driving history. It's the only way to ensure you get a policy that truly covers you.

While it might be tempting to withhold information about penalty points in hopes of getting lower insurance premiums, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Insurers are increasingly sensible in their methods of verifying your driving record, and the consequences of being caught out can be severe. From invalidated policies and sky-high future premiums to legal ramifications, the fallout from nondisclosure is not worth the risk.

Honesty is truly the best policy when it comes to getting car insurance. If you find yourself in need of cover and are worried about the impact of your driving record, remember that there are specialists out there who understand your situation. Don't hesitate to reach out to them. Ready to find a policy that accommodates your history? Click the quote button for convicted driver vehicle insurance quotes and take the first step towards getting the right cover for you.