Yes — you can get car insurance in the UK with 6 penalty points, but it will almost certainly cost significantly more, and some insurers may refuse cover. You may need to shop around or use specialist insurance options to get a competitive price. Which?+1
UK-Specific Examples
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6 points for mobile phone use: Drivers who accumulate 6 points for a CU80 offence (like using a phone while driving) typically see their insurance premiums rise significantly — often 50-70% or more compared to a clean licence. Which?
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6 points for speeding: If you picked up 6 points for a more serious speeding offence (e.g., SP50 motorway speeding), insurers still treat you as higher risk, with average rate increases of 40–60% or higher. Which?
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New driver rule: If you’re within two years of passing your test, 6 points may lead to licence revocation (a separate legal issue) — and in that case, you’ll need to re-test before you can legally insure a vehicle at all. Auto Hit
What Insurers Look At
1. Number of Points
Insurers see penalty points as a marker of risk:
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6 points — signals relatively high risk compared to a clean driver.
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More than 6 points — many mainstream insurers are less willing or even refuse to cover you. Which?
2. Type of Offence
The nature of the offence that led to the points matters. For example:
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Mobile phone use (CU80) or serious speeding often increases premiums more than minor offences.
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Very serious offences (e.g., drink or drug driving) carry a longer declaration period and can make mainstream cover tougher still. The AA
3. Time Since Convictions
You must declare penalties that are unspent — usually for 5 years from conviction for most motoring offences when buying or renewing insurance. speedingfine.co.uk
4. Overall Risk Profile
Insurers also consider:
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Your age and driving experience
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Your claims history
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Vehicle value and security features
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Annual mileage and how the car is used The AA
Failing to declare unspent points can invalidate your policy, meaning claims could be refused and you could be left uninsured. stellantisfinancialservices.co.uk
What Increases/Decreases Premiums
What Typically Increases Premiums
With 6 points on your licence:
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Higher base premiums: Insurers see you as more likely to make a claim. Which?
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Fewer insurer options: Some mainstream providers avoid higher-risk profiles, forcing you toward specialist markets. Which?
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No-claim discount impact: If the incident that led to the points was your fault, your No-Claim Discount could be reduced or lost entirely. moneysupermarket.com
What Can Help Lower Costs
Even with 6 points, you can potentially reduce your insurance cost by:
✔ Shopping Around: Quotes vary widely — one insurer might price high while another gives a better deal.
✔ Specialist Convicted Driver Insurance: Some insurers focus on higher-risk drivers and can offer more competitive pricing despite points.
✔ Telematics / Black Box Policy: Tracking your driving and proving safer behaviour often brings premiums down over time.
✔ Increasing Voluntary Excess: Agreeing to pay more if you claim can lower your premium, though make sure you can afford the excess.
✔ Keeping a Clean Record After Points: The older the offences, the less weight insurers place on them — especially after they become “spent.” Which?
What to Do Next
1. Always Declare Points Honestly
Never hide unspent points when buying or renewing insurance — insurers have digital access to your DVLA driving record and undisclosed points can void your policy and claims. stellantisfinancialservices.co.uk
2. Compare Multiple Quotes
Use price comparison tools and also contact specialist convicted driver insurers — different companies treat points differently, so you might find a much better premium by comparing. Which?
3. Consider Telematics / Black Box Cover
Policies with tracking devices can reward safer driving with discounts over time, which is often useful for drivers with points. Which?
4. Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Avoid further offences and keep claims at a minimum — this sends positive signals to insurers and helps premiums reduce over time.
5. Understand Legal Pitfalls for New Drivers
If you picked up 6 points within two years of passing your test, you may face licence revocation and must re-learn and re-test before you can legally hold insurance again. Auto Hit
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