How Do Insurance Companies React To Information About Penalty Points?

[Cryptomaniac]

My son, who is a named driver on my policy, was clocked doing over 30 mph in an urban area recently. Obviously, the Notice of Intended Prosecution has been sent to me and my son accepts wihout question that he must pay the fine and accept the 3 penalty points. However, the letter indicates that he may have the option of doing a Speeding Awareness course after which he would not incur the penalty points, but would pay a higher than the fine fee of £87. Whichever option he chooses, I imagine the insurance company would have to be informed. Is this so? And whichever one he chooses, do I face an increase in my premium? Many thanks for any answers?

[bednobs]

you usually don't have to tell t hem if you take a course

[DaisyNonna]

Paying more to avoid penalty points. The word Bribery comes to mind.

[wiltsman]

....... but worth it. Five years ago I was clocked doing 36mph in a 30mph zone. Since then, I've had to declare this to my insurance company. Hopefully, this will be the last year I have to declare it.

[Graham-W]

Most insurers don't alter the premium for an odd SP30 etc. However, if your son goes on the course the insurers don't need to be informed because he has not been prosecuted or awarded any points.

[honestjohn64-_]

When I informed my insurance company I,d attended a speed awareness course
their stance was that it didn't matter as long as there was no points involved.I would tell them if I were you,they don't need much excuse not to pay out.

[Maydup]

TAKE the course, every time. He's lucky to be within the limit to be offered the course and should go along to avoid the penalty points and therefore avoid any need to inform the insurance co.

[DaisyNonna]

What other crimes can one commit and get away with?

[Peter Pedant]

Daisy - there is a dangerous madman who has been associated with over a thousand deaths (mass murder you may exclaim, but I could not possibly comment) and has got away absolutely scot free !

I wanna say - having killed no-one - that I found the speed awareness course useful and informative and it changed my behaviour.

[bednobs]

i also say pay the extra and take the course

[DaisyNonna]

Know to what you are referring Peter, but we are little people and should be able to get it right first time.

[bednobs]

?? i am not a little person (sadly)

[Cryptomaniac]

Thanks for some interesting and informative answers - and especially to Graham for a heartening, and what seems to be an accurate one. I just hope that it's OK not to inform if the course is taken; I've a feeling that insurers only need a whiff of suspicion in order to bump up premiums, so didn't wish to call them on this matter. Interesting that you, Graham - and some others used the word 'most'.

[ABerrant]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20328860

[KJN]

Looks like it is a case of check your policy and see what it says. I was under the impression that you did not have to but reading the above I guess its a case of different companies different policies.

[Cryptomaniac]

Thanks again for some more interesting answers - and a good link Aberrant. Unfortunately it seems that things have shifted, just a little, for the worse!

[bednobs]

however, that story is only about 1 insurer. It will depend what question they ask you about "claims and convictions"

[Metahowell]

I received penalty points 18 monthe ago but innocently did not inform Churchill. I was recently told by a friend that I should have done. Being the honest person I am I informed them and ended up with a bill for more than a years insurance cover, to cover what I should have been paying if I had informed them. As my mistake was in the past I was surprized to get such a hefty bill. After all, if I had made a claim since my penalty points I assume they would not have paid up would they? Needless to say I have cancelled my insurance cover after 3 years and gone elsewhere (being honest again!). I still had to pay the money though?

[ubasses]

My husband phoned ins co to advise he was taking the course and they said that they did not need to know. The 'bribery' of paying for the course to avoid the points was well worth it, he said after 40+ years of driving it was a good refresher, a lot of good hints, tips and advice and says it was well worth it. Also thinks that all drivers should have to take it after passing their test before being allowed to drive solo.

[Blymey]

The question Insurers ask is ''Does your named driver have any driving convictions''. As far as I know, only 1 of the big five charge for the speed awareness course, apart from that, NO. Its not a conviction.
Tell your insurer anyway, as non-disclosure may invalidate your cover in a claim. Most insurers charge 5-10% in the first and following year for a standard motoring conviction if he chooses to take the points instead of the course.