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I escaped the renewal trap
I’d renewed my car insurance with the same provider for the past five years, but this year I decided to shop around. I found a policy that gave me a better level of cover and at less than half the price of my renewal. I saved £364 and I didn’t even opt for the cheapest quote.
Colin Mayson, 41, from Bury St. Edmunds saved £364 on his car insurance
Why choose gocompare.com's car insurance comparison service?
In short, it’s really good (yes, we would say that wouldn’t we?). Gocompare.com provides a comparison service that lets you compare over 125 car insurance companies in one search. At Gocompare, we won’t just provide you with the price of the policy, we’ll also show you the levels of cover that are included so that you can make a more informed decision about your car insurance.
Did you know...?
69% of motorists didn’t switch their car insurance policy in 2010? That means that a potential 19 million drivers missed out on cheaper car insurance by simply renewing their policy. Insurers aren’t known for rewarding loyalty so it makes sense to shop around each year and ensure that you’re not missing out on a big saving. Using a comparison site is a great way to help you get cheaper car insurance but aside from shopping around, there are other ways to help keep the cost of your premiums down... take a look at our car insurance guide for more tips on how you can keep your costs down.
Prize draw winners
Every month, 10 lucky Gocompare.com customers win their car insurance for free. For your chance to win, simply complete a car insurance quote and buy your policy through Gocompare.com and we’ll automatically enter you into our free monthly prize draw. Here’s a list of all the winners.
What type of driver are you?
Whether you’re a young driver or an experienced motorist, or whether you like fast cars or classic cars, Gocompare.com can help you find the car insurance policy that’s right for you. Read more about the different types of driver that can find a great deal by using Gocompare.com:
Women's car insurance
Classic car insurance
Performance car insurance
Young drivers' insurance
Modified car insurance
Learner and new drivers' insurance
Check your insurance group
Check car insurance groups with Gocompare.com.
Car insurance explained
Sorting out your car insurance can be a daunting and complicated task, so we've put together some information to help make it easier for you. From the type of cover available to how to get the right quote at the right price, you can find out what you need to know right here.
So what is car insurance and why do I need it?
Car insurance is required by law. It is to make sure people can cover the costs of any driving related damage or injury. For example if you crash your car into someone else, car insurance will pay for the repairs to the other vehicle.
Who looks after the victims of uninsured drivers?
The Motor Insurers' Bureau was set up in 1946 to provide a way of compensating the victims of uninsured or untraced motorists. All motor insurers must be members of the Motor Insurers' Bureau and contribute to its funding.
The Bureau has a Motor Insurance Database which helps identify uninsured drivers. It is run by the Motor Insurers' Information Centre and holds details of all private and fleet motor insurance policyholders. The police have access to the database so they can carry out on-the-spot checks on motorists to confirm they have current and valid insurance.
When an uninsured or untraced driver injures a third party or damages their property, the third party should receive compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau even if technically the policyholder breached the terms of the contract they hold with their insurance company.
If a car is stolen and the car thief damages property or injures someone, the insurance company for the car covers these costs.
The basics to car insurance
What documentation or paperwork will I get?
Once you have taken out an insurance policy, your insurance company will send you:
A certificate of insurance (or a cover note which is a temporary certificate)
A schedule and/or policy document
A policy booklet (or they will tell you where you can access one)
Your certificate is evidence that you are legally insured and is one of the documents the police will ask to look at if you are stopped while driving.
If a broker or insurer needs time to complete their paperwork before issuing you a full certificate, they will send you a cover note. This gives you the same protection as a certificate, but is usually only for a limited period, for example 30 days.
The schedule and/or policy document is different from the certificate. It sets out the full terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
The policy booklet sets out all the terms and conditions of your policy. It will tell you exactly what your policy covers and what to do if you need to contact your insurance company.
Remember! You should always read all the documents sent to you to make sure all the details are correct and that you have the level of cover you need. If you have any concerns or queries, contact your broker or insurer.
If the information you give to your insurer is not correct, it could invalidate your insurance if you have to make a claim against your policy, which means the insurer may not pay out for your claim.
You also need to tell your broker or insurance company everything you believe to be relevant or important that may affect your policy; about you, your driving history, claims or convictions, etc.
You are required to inform them of any relevant information whether or not they have asked you about it. This means literally everything that relates to you as a driver/road user and your vehicle.
Remember! Keep all your policy documents in a safe place just in case you need to prove you've got car insurance during the policy term.
What is included in my policy?
What your policy covers depends on what type of cover you have chosen and any additional cover you may have bought. Your policy documentation and policy booklet will explain exactly what is covered under your car insurance policy.
What types of policy are there?
There are three main types of policy which each offer a different level of cover.
Third party only (TPO)
This is the minimum level cover required by law in the UK. It covers:
Liability for injury to others (including passengers)
Damage to property
Liability whilst towing a caravan or trailer
It does not cover you for accidental damage to your own vehicle, you will have to pay for that yourself.
Third party fire and theft (TPFT)
This covers everything that third party only does, plus:
Fire damage
The theft of your own vehicle; or
Damage to your car caused during the theft
Comprehensive
Comprehensive is the most extensive cover and includes everything Third party fire and theft does, and usually:
Loss or damage to your vehicle
Windscreen cover
Personal effects
Accidental damage
Medical expenses
Remember! Some insurance companies are now offering cheaper policies that offer less protection, known as 'stripped down' policies. For example, they may have taken off windscreen cover or reduced what you can claim for personal effects - so always check your policy documents to make sure you have the cover you want.
Can insurers exclude things from policies?
Most policies will feature key exclusions. These will be outlined in your policy documents, and will highlight all of the areas that your policy will not cover. For example you might not be covered to drive other cars if you are under 25 and you will not be covered to race your car under a normal insurance policy.
Will I be covered by my insurance if I drive another car?
Sometimes we need to drive another car in an emergency or at short notice, for example if your car breaks down and you need to borrow a friend's car. Some insurance companies will allow this, you need to check your policy documents to see if you're covered.
If you do have this cover, the following usually applies:
It is third party only cover on another vehicle, you won't be covered for any damage to the car you are driving
The car must be currently insured by another party
You have the owners' permission to drive
You can only use it for cars that do not belong to you; or
Vehicles not hired to you under a hire purchase agreement
It is for emergency cover use only, not for day to day use
What is an excess?
An excess is what you are liable to pay towards any claim. It usually has to be paid to the garage fixing your car once it's repaired before you can drive it away.
Let's say you damage your car by reversing it into a wall. This is known as an accidental damage claim. If your accidental damage excess is £250 and the cost of repairing your car is £600, your insurance company will pay £350, and you will have to pay the garage the remaining £250.
The main excesses types are:
Compulsory excess
Is set by your insurance company
Depends on the details you provided to them when you took out your policy
Higher excesses are more likely on policies with young drivers or high value cars
Voluntary excess
When you take out a policy, you choose to pay more towards the cost of a claim
Generally reduces the price of what you pay for your insurance when you buy it
Is paid as well as any compulsory excess
What about no claims bonus?
No claims bonus is a reward for people who don't make a claim on their policy. Insurance companies will usually give a discount for claim free driving, it is a 'no claim' not a 'no blame' discount, so if you do claim on your policy despite an accident not being your fault, it will affect your no claims bonus unless your insurer recovers their costs from the other driver's insurance company.
The basics of no claims bonus are:
For every fault claim you make, you lose 2 year's bonus
Most insurers have maximum no claims discount levels, commonly 4 or 5 years
You can usually protect your bonus once you reach the maximum discount level
If you protect your no claims bonus and make a claim, you do not lose 2 year's bonus, you will still receive maximum discount on your policy
What you pay for your insurance may increase when you renew your policy as you have made a claim (insurance companies see policies with claims as a greater potential risk than claim free insurance policies)
How do I make a change to my policy?
If you want to change anything on your policy such as your address or add another driver to it, you need to tell your insurer so they can update their records. Your insurance company may make an administration charge for changes to insurance policies, and your premium may change depending on what change you are making.
For example, moving house from a rural area to an inner city area may increase your premium because your insurer's statistics could show more claims are made in these areas, so the risk to them of insuring your car has increased (it would cost them more if you make a claim).
Some insurers have an online service so you can make changes to your policy yourself, alternatively you need to phone their Customer Services department as soon as possible.
Remember! You must tell your insurance company if your details have changed as they may not pay out on a claim if you don't.
What if I want to cancel my policy before it has ended?
Your insurer may charge you if you want to cancel your policy before it is due to end. There may be a cancellation fee to pay as well as a percentage of your premium. Your insurer's cancellation rates can usually be found in your policy booklet. You will need to phone your insurer to cancel your policy.
How do I make a claim on my policy?
If you have an accident or your car is stolen, you need to tell your insurance company as soon as you can. If you have an accident but are not claiming, you still need to tell your insurer.
Your insurer will then take the details of your claim and if your car needs repairing they will tell you who their approved repairers are in your area (an approved repairer is a garage that your insurer has a contract with to repair vehicles on their behalf), and arrange for it to be repaired.
Optional extras for car insurance
All car insurance policies are different, which is why you need to check your policy documents to see what is included as standard on your policy, and what optional extras are available for you to buy.
Here are some of the most common policy extras:
Legal protection
Pays for legal costs if they arise from an accident which happens while you are driving
Provides assistance to recover uninsured losses (such as solicitors fees etc) from the other driver's insurance company should you be involved in a non-fault accident
Arranges for a solicitor to pursue a claim for compensation if you are injured
Generally helps with the recovery of the excess on your policy, medical losses or loss of earnings
Breakdown cover
Assists in getting your car back on the road or to a garage if you breakdown. You can pay for different levels of cover such as:
Recovery/relay - if your vehicle can't be fixed at the roadside or locally, you (and a set number of people travelling with you) will be taken to any UK mainland destination
Home start - for when you break down at home or near to home
Onward travel - if you break down away from home and your car cannot be repaired quickly, you will generally be provided with either a replacement hire car, or overnight accommodation, or reasonable onward travel expenses
European cover - breakdown protection when driving in Europe, usually for up to 31 days per trip and 90 days per year in total (please check with your insurance company for the European countries you will be covered in)
Insurance while driving abroad and Green Cards
A green card provides basic Road Traffic Act cover for driving while on holiday abroad
Recognised in over 40 countries (check with your insurer what countries they cover)
Insurers charge for extending the same level of cover abroad as you have at home
Some countries will confiscate your car if you cannot provide the correct documentation
Courtesy car cover
Basic cover provides you with a car if you have an accident and your car needs repairing
Must use your insurer’s approved repairer
Enhanced policy provides a replacement car if your car is stolen or written off
Personal accident cover
Basic cover provides a small payout to you or your passengers for a limited set of injuries such as:
Death;
Permanent and total loss of sight in one or both eyes; or
Loss of, or permanent and total loss of use of, one or more limbs at or above the elbow or knee
Enhanced cover increases financial payouts
Windscreen cover
Covers repairs to chips or cracks in your windscreen or to replace your damaged windscreen
A small excess usually applies
Usually included in comprehensive policies
How car insurance quotes are calculated
Insurers ask a series of questions to everyone who is interested in insuring their car with them. This helps them identify the risk they are taking on i.e. how likely someone is to make a claim on a policy.
Generally, insurers evaluate (rate on) the same factors when calculating premiums, but as no two risks are identical, prices can vary from one company to another.
The main areas they look at are:
Car insurance group
All vehicles have a group rating given to them by The Association of British Insurers (ABI)†. The ratings are based on the risk of the vehicle.
Factors used to calculate group ratings are:
What the vehicle is worth
Damage and parts costs - the likely extent of damage to each car model and the cost of the parts needed to repair it. Generally, the lower the costs, the more likely a vehicle is to have a lower group rating
Repair times - longer repair times mean higher costs and the greater likelihood of a higher group rating
New car values - the prices of new cars are considered as they are often a good guide to the cost of replacement and repair
Body shells - the availability of body shells (the basic frame of the car) is taken into account in group ratings because they are essential for certain accidental damage repairs
Performance - acceleration and top speed are important factors
Car security - security features fitted as standard equipment by motor manufacturers can help to reduce insurance claims costs
Insurers may reassign a vehicle to a different group based on trends they identify from their own records. For example if a certain car type was involved in many accidents, its group rating may increase, as would the premium charged for the vehicle, to cover the extra claim costs.
Claims history
All insurance companies ask about people's claims history, usually for the last 3 to 5 years. It stands to reason that the more claims someone has made, the more money insurers have paid out to cover their claim costs, they are therefore a greater risk and will be charged more for their policy.
Drivers
Insurers will look at all the drivers covered on your policy when deciding how much to charge you for your insurance.
Adding on a driver who is considered a safe risk (for example with no claims or convictions, has been driving for over twenty years) may cost nothing more than an administration charge. However, many insurers charge for changes you may want to make to your policy. If for example, you add a driver who's under 25 and has a speeding conviction, and you have a powerful car then you can expect your insurer to increase the price of your insurance substantially to cover the costs of the increased risk.
Driving convictions
Insurance companies will rate on driving convictions. If you have a conviction on your licence then insurers consider you to be a greater risk on the road than a driver with no convictions.
Your insurer will ask for details of convictions in the last 3 to 5 years.
The more serious the conviction in nature, the more your insurer will add to your premium. Sometimes an insurer may add special terms to a policy or only offer lesser levels of cover for more serious convictions.
Medical conditions
Insurers cannot charge extra for medical conditions if you hold a licence without any restrictions. If you do hold a restricted licence your insurer may need to take this into account when reviewing the risk. They may also take adaptations to vehicles into account if it means it will cost more to replace the adaptation (and so increase the risk).
Everything that may have an effect on your ability to drive has to be notified to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)†. The DVLA website† has a lot of information about driving and medical conditions which should help clarify any questions you need answering: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/medical/ataglance.aspx.†
Mileage
The more time you spend on the road the more likely you are to have or cause an incident, so your premium will increase the more you drive. As with all the risk information you supply, you should be as accurate as possible when telling your insurer what your annual mileage is.
Occupation
Your insurer will class certain occupations as a higher risk when, for example, someone carries goods in their vehicle.
A builder may carry over a £1000 worth of equipment in their vehicle. An insurer may consider this a far greater risk of the vehicle being stolen and potentially damaged or not recovered.
Other occupations which carry a higher risk with insurers are professional sportsmen and sportswomen, entertainers, chefs and those linked with licensed premises.
Security
Insurers will look at the security systems on your car when deciding what to charge for a policy. If your car has an alarm and/or immobiliser fitted it is less likely that it will be stolen - you can therefore expect to pay less for your motor insurance policy than someone who has no security device on their car.
Vehicle value
The value of your vehicle will play a major factor in how cheap or expensive your insurance premium will be. A car costing £70,000 will cost more to repair if it is damaged in an accident or to replace if stolen, therefore the price of your insurance will be more than the insurance for a car worth £7000.
Vehicle age
Much the same as vehicle value, an older vehicle can often receive discounted rates as the vehicle value is lower. This is not always the case as some vehicles will be recognised as classic cars which could possibly increase your premium due to potential difficulty in obtaining parts.
Vehicle use
What you use your car for will have a substantial effect on your insurance premium. If you only use it for driving between family and friends or to go shopping, this would be the minimum risk to an insurer. However, if you use your vehicle for both social and business use, you will face a higher rate from your insurer, as you are considered at greater risk of making a claim because of the extra mileage you drive or the goods you may carry.
The different categories of vehicle use are:
Social, domestic & pleasure - you are covered for day to day driving, such as a visiting family, friends or going shopping but not to drive to work
Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting - you are covered for everything in the social domestic and pleasure category, plus driving to and from one fixed place of work. It also includes travelling and parking at a railway station
Business use - you can use your car in connection with your job, such as driving to more than one place of work
Commercial travelling - you can use your car for things like door to door sales
Remember! Your policy documentation will state what you can use your vehicle for.
Your address
Where you live is another important factor to an insurance company when it comes to assessing your premium. In a city you can expect increased levels of traffic as opposed to the countryside so there may be a greater chance that your car will be involved in an accident, be vandalised or be stolen. Certain areas have a higher level of car crime and insurance premiums tend to reflect that risk.
Also leaving your car out on the road overnight, rather than in a locked garage may affect your premium.
Remember! You must tell your insurance company if you move or if you spend more time at one address than another (for example a student may be at home at the weekends but spend the majority of time at college), they may not pay out on a claim if you haven't disclosed this.
Our top tips for cheaper car insurance
Shop around for the best quote
It might sound obvious but shopping around is the best way to get a quote that gives you the cover you want at the right price. Thousands of people just automatically renew their insurance every year and so may miss out on a better policy for them.
There are 4 common ways of shopping for car insurance:
1. Use a car insurance comparison site
Rather than spend hours on the web or on the phone to different insurance companies, the easiest way to see what's available is to use an insurance comparison site like Gocompare.com. You will be able to compare prices and see what is included in each policy; this way you can make sure you have all the cover you want at a price that is right for you.
Advantages:
Less time consuming
Access to most of the UK's leading insurers
Compare prices AND cover
Get a quote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Disadvantages:
Can't speak to someone instantly to answer queries
2. Phone individual insurance companies
If you have the time, you can phone a number of insurance companies to get quotes.
Advantages:
Queries may be answered straight away
Good for modified vehicles or where different cover is needed as these cases will need to be considered individually
Disadvantages:
Time consuming
May be subjected to aggressive sales techniques
You only get one quote from that insurance company
No or limited comparison against other insurance companies
Limited to looking for insurance during the company's working hours
3. Looking at insurance companies own sites on the Internet
The Internet has revolutionised the shopping experience and this includes looking for car insurance. Many insurance companies have an Internet presence where you can fill in your details and quickly get an insurance quote.
Advantages:
Get a quote in your own time
No pushy sales people to deal with
Get a quote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Disadvantages:
Time consuming
No or limited comparison against other insurance companies
You only get one quote from that insurance company
4. Visiting a broker or insurance company on the high street
For those of us with enough time and energy, another way to get a car insurance quote is to visit your friendly high street broker.
Advantages:
Queries may be answered immediately
Good for modified vehicles or where different cover is needed as these cases will need to be considered individually
Brokers will compare a number of different insurance companies on your behalf
Disadvantages:
Time consuming
Limited to looking for insurance during the company's working hours
Limited access to those insurance companies the broker deals with
Choose a small car
Get a car with a small engine, for example a 1.1 litre rather than a 1.6 litre, which is in a low insurance group. You'll also pay less road tax for a small car.
Avoid modifications
Modifications (upgrades to styling, audio or performance) may look good, but they mean a big hike in the price of their insurance. Alloy wheels, body kits and performance upgrades make vehicles more attractive to car thieves. Modified cars also tend to be more expensive to fix than ordinary cars.
Limit your mileage
Limit the number of miles you drive each year and make sure you tell your insurance company as they look at the number of miles you drive when working out your insurance premiums.
Get a Pass Plus certificate
Younger drivers may want to sit a Pass Plus certificate. This is a training scheme for new drivers, it will typically cost around £100 but if taken immediately after you pass your test it may cut premiums by up to 35%.
Improve security
Consider improving your vehicle's security. Fit an alarm or immobiliser, and if you have alloy wheels, invest in locking wheel nuts.
Park with care
If you can, park your car in a garage overnight. Parking off the road can lower the chance of your car being vandalised or stolen.
Increase your voluntary excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess when you take out your policy will reduce the price of your insurance policy. Remember though, if you make a claim you may have to pay that excess before the garage will give you your car back.
Restrict the number of drivers on your policy
Only have one additional driver on your policy, adding more will increase the cost of your insurance. If you can, avoid having anyone under 25 on your insurance as the younger a driver is, generally the more expensive your policy will be.
Reduce your cover type
If you have an older car which is not worth very much, it may be worth getting Third Party, Fire and Theft rather than comprehensive cover.
Build up your No Claims Bonus discount
The best way to reduce your insurance costs is to drive claim free and build up your No Claims Bonus discount.
Is the cheapest quote automatically the best?
Not necessarily. Most of us want to pay as little as possible for our car insurance, but this can sometimes mean we miss out on cover we would see as essential should we make a claim on our car insurance.
For example, if you use your car for business reasons, you may need to make sure your policy provides you with a courtesy car if your vehicle needs repairs after an accident, so your work isn't interrupted.
The best way to go about buying an insurance policy is to have an idea of what cover you want and use a comparison service like Gocompare.com which shows you a range of prices and the benefits of each policy on offer. You can then make an informed choice based on your cover needs and budget.
Why has the price of my car insurance gone up?
That is the million dollar question! There are many reasons that car insurance premiums increase, some most common ones being:
Insurers are having to pay increasing costs when paying out for claims
Your insurer may have changed the type of customer they are looking for
The discount you received for being a new customer has been removed
You may have made a claim in the past year which reduced your no claims bonus level
You may have had a motoring conviction in the past year
You may have moved to an address that is considered a higher risk area
You may have added a driver to your policy whose driving record is not as good as yours
You may have changed your car to a more expensive or powerful one
On the other hand, you could have changed to a small car and if so your premium should go down from last year.
Gocompare.com will search through the UK market and offer some of the most competitive quotes available saving you the time and hassle of going to each individual company yourself. Don't forget, we're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How driving convictions impact car insurance
If you get a motoring conviction you have to tell your insurer about it, and they will take it into account when working out what to charge you for your insurance. Insurance companies see you as being at greater risk of having an accident and will charge you more for your policy.
How big an impact a conviction will have on the cost of your insurance depends on a number of things including insurance companies' conviction policies, the type of conviction, the car you drive, your age and possibly gender.
You are more likely to pay a hefty premium if you have a drink driving conviction, compared to a solitary speeding conviction which may only increase your premium a little in comparison.
Most insurance companies will ask you about any driving convictions you have received in the past 5 years. It is really important that you disclose any convictions to them, in fact you have to by law under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
If you don't disclose a conviction and you make a claim on your policy, your insurance company can refuse to pay the claim. Alternatively they can make an additional charge for the conviction and won't authorise the claim until the charge is paid. You'll find some of the most common conviction codes below.
Most common offences
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
SP10
Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
3-6
SP30
Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
3-6
SP50
Exceeding speed limit on a motorway
3-6
TS10
Failing to comply with traffic light signals
3
IN10
Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
6-8
CU80
Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle
3
DR10
Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit
3-11
LC20
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
3-6
CD10
Driving without due care or attention
3-9
Accident offences
Offence codes AC10 to AC30 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
AC10
Failing to stop after an accident
5-10
AC20
Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours
5-10
AC30
Undefined accident offences
4-9
Careless driving
Offence codes CD10 to CD30 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
CD10
Driving without due care and attention
3-9
CD20
Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users
3-9
CD30
Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users
3-9
Offence codes CD40 to CD70 must stay on a licence for eleven years from the date of conviction.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
CD40
Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink
3-11
CD50
Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs
3-11
CD60
Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit
3-11
CD70
Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for analysis
3-11
Offence codes CD80 and CD90 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of conviction.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
CD80
Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving
3-11
CD90
Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers
3-11
Construction and use offences
Offence codes CU10 to CU80 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
CU10
Using a vehicle with defective brakes
3
CU20
Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition
3
CU30
Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s)
3
CU40
Using a vehicle with defective steering
3
CU50
Causing or likely to cause a danger by reason of load or passengers
3
CU80
Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle
3
Disqualified driver
Offence codes BA10 and BA30 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
BA10
Driving while disqualified by order of court
6
BA30
Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court
6
Drink or drugs
Offence codes DR10 to DR30 must stay on a driving licence for eleven years from the date of conviction.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
DR10
Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit
3-11
DR20
Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink
3-11
DR30
Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis
3-11
Offence codes DR40 to DR70 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
DR40
In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above the limit
10
DR50
In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink
10
DR60
Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive
10
DR70
Failing to provide specimen for breath test
4
Offence code DR80 must stay on a driving licence for eleven years from the date of conviction.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
DR80
Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs
3-11
Offence code DR90 must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
DR90
In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs
10
Insurance offences
Offence code IN10 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
IN10
Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
6-8
Licence offences
Offence codes LC20 to LC50 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
LC20
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
3-6
LC30
Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence
3-6
LC40
Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability
3-6
LC50
Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds
3-6
Miscellaneous offences
Offence codes MS10 to MS90 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
MS10
Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position
3
MS20
Unlawful pillion riding
3
MS30
Play street offences
2
MS50
Motor racing on the highway
3-11
MS60
Offences not covered by other codes
As appropriate
MS70
Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight
3
MS80
Refusing to submit to an eyesight test
3
MS90
Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc
6
Motorway offences
Offence code MW10 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
MW10
Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits)
3
Pedestrian crossings
Offence codes PC10 to PC30 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
PC10
Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations
3
PC20
Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle
3
PC30
Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle
3
Reckless/dangerous driving
Offence codes DD40 to DD80 must stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
DD40
Dangerous driving
3-11
DD60
Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle
3-11
DD80
Causing death by dangerous driving
3-11
DD90
Furious driving
3-9
Special code
Offence code TT99 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of conviction.
Code
Offence
TT99
To signify a disqualification under ‘totting-up’ procedure. If the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within three years the driver is liable to be disqualified
Speed limits
Offence codes SP10 to SP50 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
SP10
Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
3-6
SP20
Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)
3-6
SP30
Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
3-6
SP40
Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit
3-6
SP50
Exceeding speed limit on a motorway
3-6
Traffic direction and signs
Offence codes TS10 to TS70 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
TS10
Failing to comply with traffic light signals
3
TS20
Failing to comply with double white lines
3
TS30
Failing to comply with ‘Stop’ sign
3
TS40
Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden
3
TS50
Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding ‘stop’ signs, traffic lights or double white lines)
3
TS60
Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign
3
TS70
Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign
3
Theft or unauthorised taking
Offence code UT50 must stay on a driving licence for four years from the date of offence.
Code
Offence
Penalty Points
UT50
Aggravated taking of a vehicle
3-11
Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring
Offences as coded, but with 0 changed to 2 e.g. LC10 becomes LC12
Causing or permitting
Offences as coded, but with 0 changed to 4 e.g. LC10 becomes LC14
Inciting
Offences as coded, but with 0 changed to 6 e.g. DD40 becomes DD46
Non-endorsable offences
A non-endorsable offence is an offence which courts do not endorse on to your paper counterpart driving licence. No penalty points are attributed to these offences but they carry a period of
Car security and your car insurance
Making sure your car is protected against theft can impact on your insurance premiums. Many insurers offer discounts for cars fitted with alarms and immobilisers, and tracking devices on more expensive vehicles.
Here are some tips on how to keep your car secure:
Make sure your car has an alarm or immobiliser professionally fitted, immobilisers are seen as the best deterrent to the car thief
Get some security etchings on your windows and windscreen. Mark them with your registration number
Mark your belongings such as your satellite navigation and stereo with your registration number. It makes them easier to trace should they be stolen
If you have alloys, get locking wheel nuts. These make it almost impossible for them to be stolen, and are a cheap way of protecting your car
If your car doesn't have a security system, use a steering lock each time you leave your car. A car thief will go for the easiest option and a steering lock will often deter them from taking your car
Park somewhere safe like in a garage or on a driveway. If you have to park on the road, make sure you choose a well lit area
Choose a secure car park when out shopping rather than parking on the road
Always make sure your belongings are out of sight when you leave your car. Either put them away in your boot or take them with you
Alarms and immobilisers
Insurance companies will sometimes insist a car has a certain level of security on it before they will offer insurance cover for it. For example, if you drive a Porsche 911 worth over £60,000 you may need to install a tracking device before you can get insurance for it. Even fitting an alarm and immobiliser to a mid priced family car may mean a discount on your insurance as it reduces the risk of the car being stolen.
Newer cars usually come fitted with a factory standard alarm/immobiliser. Older cars are more easily stolen as they have little or no security fitted, so it may be worth upgrading an older security system or fitting an immobiliser to increase security.
To ensure you get the best from your security system, you should fit a Thatcham approved system†. Thatcham provide the industry standards for safety and quality so insurers will often only recognise Thatcham approved systems.
Tracking devices
A tracker is a device which is fitted to your car which is linked to a control centre. If your car is stolen, the police are advised where it is, so it can be quickly recovered, thus the risk of the insurer having to pay out for your car if it is stolen and not recovered, is greatly reduced.
Young drivers' insurance guide
Young drivers' car insurance explained
As a young driver getting car insurance at the right price and with the right level of cover can be frustrating. Not all car insurance companies will quote for you, and when they do the prices they offer can be really high. With this in mind, we've put together some information for you to try and help you to get a better car insurance deal.
Why young drivers pay more
There are three main reasons why young drivers have to pay a lot for their car insurance - inexperience, reputation and risk.
Inexperience
Driving experience is a crucial factor - the more time you spend on the road the better your driving is likely to be. Drivers with more experience have a 'proven' track record as long as they stay conviction and claim free, and as a result get a discount on the price of their car insurance (called no claims bonus).
Reputation
Young drivers have a reputation for causing more accidents than any other age group, and statistics from the Association of British Insurers prove this is true. They reveal that the UK's 18 year olds alone cause 50 collisions a day - three times more than drivers in their fifties. Indeed male drivers under the age of 21 are ten times more likely to be involved in a motoring accident than drivers over the age of 30.*
This means insurance companies pay out more in claims for young drivers, and so charge more for insurance cover.
Risk
Car insurance premiums are based on risk (how likely it is that an insurer will have to pay out on a claim). Insurers will look at your quote details, (for example your claims history, the cost or type of the car you drive, where you live, your driving experience), and then decide what to charge.
Young drivers have more accidents and experience more security issues with their cars, like theft and vandalism as crime rates are higher among young people. They are seen as a greater risk and this is reflected in the high price of car insurance for young drivers.
How young drivers can reduce their car insurance premiums
While higher prices are the norm for younger drivers, there are some things you can do to lower your insurance costs.
Choose a small car
Get a car with a small engine, for example a 1.1 litre rather than a 1.6 litre, which is in a low insurance group. You'll also pay less road tax if your car has a small engine capacity.
Avoid modifications
Modifications (upgrades to styling, audio or performance) may look good, but for the younger driver they mean a big increase in the price of car insurance. Alloy wheels, body kits and performance upgrades make vehicles more attractive to car thieves. Modified cars also tend to be more expensive to fix than ordinary cars.
Limit your mileage
If you only drive at set times of the year (perhaps during term time) then let your insurance company know. To lower the risk of having an accident, avoid driving in rush hour and limit your annual mileage.
Agree a curfew
Some insurance companies may reduce your premium if you agree to limit your driving to certain hours of the day.
Get a Pass Plus certificate
A training scheme for new drivers, it will typically cost you around £100 but if taken immediately after you pass your test it can cut premiums by 35%. Some local authorities offer assistance with the cost - in some cases this can be up to 50%.
Improve security
Consider improving your vehicle's security. Fit an alarm or immobiliser, and if you have alloy wheels, invest in locking wheel nuts.
Park with care
If you can, park your car in a garage overnight. Parking off the road can lower the chance of your car being vandalised or stolen.
Increase your voluntary excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess when you take out your policy will reduce the price of your insurance. Remember though, if you make a claim you may have to pay that excess before the garage will give you your car back.
Other ways to cut costs
The easiest way to reduce your car insurance costs is to improve your reputation and driving record by staying conviction free, avoiding speeding and building up a no claims discount.
Other things you can do are:
pay for your insurance when you take out the policy rather than by monthly instalments, to avoid interest charges
if you have a car that's not worth much, look at third party fire and theft rather than comprehensive cover (the car may be only be worth a bit more than the excess on your policy)
make sure you're not paying for policy benefits you don't really need, for example legal or courtesy car cover may not be essential to you
