Why insurers care about new points
Penalty points might look like a small detail on your licence, but insurers treat them seriously. They signal a higher risk of future claims; even if the offence was minor. So when you pick up new points while already insured, your insurer wants to know. It’s not about punishment; it’s about risk management. They base your premium on your declared driving history, so any change to that history can alter the deal.
Do you have to tell your insurer straight away?
In most cases, yes. Every policy has a clause that says you must tell the insurer about changes that could affect your cover. That includes new penalty points, convictions, or bans. Some insurers ask for updates immediately, while others only require it at renewal. The wording is usually in the policy booklet, but it’s easy to miss. If in doubt, contact them as soon as possible and ask how they want it handled. Keeping quiet can backfire badly later.
If you fail to declare new points, your insurer might cancel your policy or refuse to pay out on a claim. They could also cancel your renewal when the time comes. Either way, future insurers will see the cancellation when they check your record, and that can be harder to explain than the points themselves.
How extra points affect your premium
Every insurer rates points differently. Three points for a minor speeding offence might barely move your premium. Six or more can trigger a sharp rise. Serious offences like drink or drug driving (DR codes) or driving uninsured (IN10) are treated much more harshly than a single SP30. The type, frequency, and recency of points all matter. The fresher they are, the bigger the impact.
Once the conviction ages, the impact fades. Most points stay on your licence for several years, but insurers usually weigh the last few most heavily. So even if your record looks busy on paper, time and clean driving slowly even things out.
What happens if you’re already high risk
If you already had convictions or points before, new ones can tip the balance. Some insurers might refuse to continue the policy or offer a renewal at all. Others might increase the excess or reduce optional benefits. That’s when a specialist provider can help. They deal with high-risk and convicted drivers every day and know how to find realistic terms where mainstream insurers won’t.
It’s worth shopping around before your renewal date rather than waiting for the increase to land. Each insurer uses its own formula, so the differences can be surprisingly large. Comparing quotes gives you a clear idea of what’s fair and what’s inflated.
Steps to keep costs under control
If you’ve added points, you can still do plenty to offset the effect. Choosing a car in a lower insurance group, parking securely, and limiting mileage all help. Some drivers volunteer for telematics policies, where a small device tracks driving behaviour. It might feel intrusive at first, but safe driving data can rebuild your profile faster than time alone.
Another useful move is to take an approved driver improvement course, if eligible. It won’t erase the points, but it can show insurers you’re proactive about safety; a trait they value. The aim isn’t perfection; it’s to show consistency, awareness, and responsibility.
Staying open and steady
In short, new points aren’t the end of the world, but they do change things. Be upfront with your insurer, check your options, and keep your record clean from now on. Honesty usually works out cheaper in the long run than hoping no one notices. The more open you are, the easier it becomes to stay insured, avoid sudden shocks, and keep driving with peace of mind.