Do I need to inform my insurance company of a speeding ticket?

You've been caught speeding and handed a ticket. In addition to the possible fine and penalty points on your licence, you may worry that the mishap will affect your insurance cover and cost. But do you have to tell your insurer about the penalty points? 

Let’s find out.

Do I have to tell my insurer about penalty points?

Yes, you need to inform your insurer of any penalty points you receive, whether they’re for speeding or any other driving offence, but the timing depends on your specific policy and the severity of the offence.

In most cases, you’ll need to inform your insurer of any penalty points due to speeding when you come to renew your policy or when switching to a new insurer. 

You’ll need to report:

• Fixed penalty notices
• Penalty points added to your licence
• Motoring convictions 

However, this does depend on your insurance policy and some insurers may require you to report any penalty points immediately, so check your terms and conditions.

It’s important to note that if you receive a driving disqualification due to speeding, even if it’s only for a short period, you must inform your insurer immediately.

What happens if I don’t report my penalty points?

If you fail to report your penalty points to your insurer, you may face serious consequences, such as:

• Cancellation of your insurance policy
• Denied claims
• Insurance fraud accusations

Always read the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you report the penalty reports at the correct time.

How does a speeding ticket affect car insurance premiums?

If you’ve received a speeding ticket and penalty points on your driving licence, it is going to affect the cost of your insurance. Insurers will take it as a sign that you’re driving unsafely and raise your premium accordingly. 

It’s impossible to say exactly how much your costs will go up as this will depend on your personal circumstances as well as the number of penalty points you receive for driving over the speed limit. However, you should be prepared to pay an additional 5-10% for three points, and as much as 25% for six points from a more serious offence.

These penalty points will stay on your licence for a minimum period of four years, though it could be as long as 11 years for more serious convictions. They must be declared to your insurer every year they remain active on your record. 

Do all insurers treat speeding offences the same?

Car insurance companies differ in how they assess risk related to motoring offences and may approach penalty points due to a speeding offence differently. Some may overlook three points if it’s a first-time minor offence, whereas others will apply a blanket surcharge for any penalty. There are even insurers who specialise in drivers with convictions and may offer better rates.

This is why it’s important to compare quotes, especially if your record includes penalty points for driving offences like speeding.

Final thoughts

A speeding ticket may seem minor, but the way you handle it with your insurer matters. Always disclose any penalty points to ensure your car insurance policy stays valid and keep you protected from cancelled cover or rejected claims.

FAQs

What if I’m caught speeding while driving someone else’s car?

If you’re caught driving over the speed limit in someone else’s car, you still need to report the offence to your insurer. The penalty points apply to your driving licence, not the owner of the car.

Do I need to tell my insurer if I take a speed awareness course instead of points?

Some insurers require you to disclose if you’ve attended a speed awareness course. It may not affect your premium, but it’s still best to be as transparent as possible when renewing or applying for a new policy.

Can a speeding offence lead to a driving ban?

In extreme circumstances a speeding offence can result in a driving ban. This is usually due to one of two reasons:

• A severe one-off offence: If you drove far above the speed limit, for example 90mph on a motorway with a speed limit of 70mph, you could receive an instant ban ranging from one to eight weeks.
• An accumulation of points: If you earn more than 12 points on your licence within three years, you could receive a six month driving disqualification.

In either case, you need to inform your insurer immediately as they are entitled to cancel your policy.

Can I still be insured after receiving a speeding ban?

Yes, you can still be insured after a driving disqualification, though you’ll need to declare the ban for at least five years, if not longer. Your car insurance premium is likely to be more expensive, making it even more important to shop around for the best insurance deal.