Does 3 points on driving licence affect car insurance?

Insurance for your vehicle is crucial in the UK as it can protect drivers financially if an accident happens and a valid insurance claim is made.

Car insurance became mandatory under the Road Traffic Act of 1930, reports Compare the Market.

But if you are about to have a new insurance policy issued, you might want to know if having three points on your driving licence can affect the price of it.

@uktoday_ Don't make this mistake with your dash cam! #uknews #dashcams #carinsuranceuk #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound - UKToday 🇬🇧 Newsquest

This is what the experts have to say.

How penalty points on driving licence can affect car insurance

A spokesperson at Group 1 Automotive commented: “When it comes to getting penalty points on our driving licences, different offences will face different penalties - with the scale ranging from one point up to a possible 11 points you can hold on your licence. Offences such as using a vehicle with defective brakes, tyres or steering, can land you three penalty points when driving. 

“If you find yourself with three points on your driver’s licence, unfortunately, you can expect to pay more for your car insurance. Any points or previous offences will make you appear as more of a risk to your insurer, leading to an increase in your premium. 

“The more penalty points you hold, and the more recent your offences, the higher quote you’ll likely be facing from your insurer. Each insurer will work out their premiums in a different way, so this will vary from brand to brand, but previous research cited on Which?, has found that one to three points can increase your premium by up to 55%, depending on the severity of your offence.”

What can fail an MOT test?

Recommended reading:

• What speed triggers a speed camera? Motoring experts explain how they work
• Drivers could be fined £1000 for sharing speed trap warnings on Facebook
• Do speed cameras have to be visible? Lawyers on when you can challenge the fine

They added: “However, you should always be honest about your driving history with your insurer, as giving them incorrect information will be seen as insurance fraud and can land you with some serious consequences. You should declare any points you’ve gotten in the last five years. 

“It’s also worth remembering that any penalty points you earn will stay on your licence for four years, but can be kept for 11 years in the case of more serious offences. 

“And these points can add up - if you gain 12 penalty points within three years, your licence will be revoked. For new drivers, earning more than six points in your first two years of driving will lead to your licence being cancelled.”