16 December 2024

Owning a classic car is a life goal for many. It’s all about enjoying the drive, feeling every satisfying gear change, and, of course, keeping your pride and joy in top condition.

However, if you pick up penalty points on your licence, it can be more than just a bump in the road. Whether it’s a speeding ticket or any other violation, these points can push up your insurance costs and even limit your options for cover. How much does three points affect classic car insurance?

Let’s take a look at how penalty points can impact your plans to purchase classic car insurance and share some tips to help you stay ahead.

What are driving penalty points?

If you’re caught breaking the rules of the road, penalty points are added to your driving licence. Whether you’re caught speeding, using your mobile phone while driving, or not following traffic signs, you’re likely to receive points on your licence as a result.

The main purpose of these penalty points is to remind drivers to consider their safety, and the safety of their passengers and other road users.

For most drivers, there is a limit of 12 points in three years before a potential driving ban is considered. However, the law is tougher on new drivers — just six points in the first two years can mean losing your licence altogether.

It’s not just the hassle of a ban you’ll want to avoid; those points can also push up your insurance premiums and limit your cover options, as many insurers will consider you a greater risk.

How do penalty points impact your classic car insurance?

If you’ve got penalty points on your licence, it can make things tricky when the time comes to insure your classic car. As we mentioned, insurers see points as a sign that you might be more of a risk on the road, which can push up your premiums. Even something as minor as three points for a speeding ticket could mean an increase in your insurance premiums.

The more points you have, the more it can cost In some cases, if you’ve racked up too many points, you might find it harder to get cover altogether.

Therefore, beyond keeping your licence clean to avoid fines or a driving ban, it’s also the best way to keep your insurance costs in check too.

How long do you have to declare penalty points to insurers?

When you get penalty points on your licence, they don’t just disappear overnight. Usually, you’ll need to declare them to your insurer for up to five years, even though the points themselves might be ‘spent’ after that. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking with your insurers.

Failing to mention that you have active penalty points could mean your insurance is invalid if you need to make a claim. Therefore, it’s crucial to be upfront with your insurer about them.

How to lessen the impact of penalty points on your classic car insurance

Penalty points might bump up your insurance costs, but it’s not all bad news. There are a few ways to keep those premiums from getting out of hand.

If you’ve been caught speeding, you might be offered a National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) as an alternative to points on your licence. This is a good option to receive as it shows insurers you’re working on your driving skills and helps to keep your record clean.

The best way to reduce the impact of being caught speeding is to make sure you’re driving sensibly. Insurers like to see that those points were just a one-off mistake rather than a sign of risky driving habits.

It’s also worth getting quotes from a few different providers, as some might be more forgiving of points than others. Remember, penalty points don’t have to mean expensive car insurance forever. With the right moves, you can keep your premiums in check.

Penalty points and classic car insurance - FAQs

Can penalty points affect eligibility for classic car insurance?

Yes, they can. Some insurers may see you as a higher risk if you have penalty points on your licence. That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get insurance, but you may find fewer options or be forced to pay higher premiums until the points are spent. The impact will depend on the number of points you’ve received and the type of offence.

Will my insurance automatically go up if I get penalty points?

It’s likely. Penalty points usually lead to higher premiums because they signal to insurers that there’s a greater chance that you’ll need to make a claim.

How long do penalty points stay on my record and affect my insurance?

Penalty points usually stay on your driving record for four years. However, insurers often ask you to declare them for five years. For more serious driving offences, penalty points are valid for 10 years but will stay on your record for 11. It’s important to check your policy details to know exactly when you can stop having to declare them.

Can I still get classic car insurance with a lot of penalty points?

It is possible, but it will be more challenging. Some insurers specialise in covering drivers with multiple points, but you will likely be faced with higher premiums and limited options.

Classic car insurance from Footman James

With Footman James, you can get a classic car insurance online quotation instantly for your classic Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini, VW and more. You can also add to your quote such as agreed value and breakdown cover.

 

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.