motoring convictions

[chimichanga]

maybe i'm a bit dumb but do points for speeding class as a motoring conviction ? and if so would it invalidate your insurance if when first took out you innocently said no when asked if you had any ? i always thought it meant you had to be took to court for something like drink driving etc.

[rachela500]

You should declare any points on your licence to your insurance company - whether received before or after you have taken out the insurance.

Depends who you have insurance with, but if you get points after you have paid then they sometimes don't increase the premium until the following year.

When it comes to insurance, you would not get away with "innocently" forgetting anything!!!

[spaced]

honesty is the best policy. The truth always comes out and bites you on ya bum, chimi.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

If you have not told the insurance commpany that you had points before or after you took out your policy,they will refuse to pay any claim,because you did not give them this info.a bit silly,but by the tone of your question,i think you know all this,dont you.

[ianess]

Not an easy question to answer because technically you were probably offered and accepted a fixed penalty notice. You haven't really been taken to court and convicted of anything. You could certainly start an interesting debate but your insurance company might take a dim view if you with-hold what they think is material information.

[Chebona~Bula]

I always thought if you have been given points and a fine then you have been convicted, so it is a conviction.I believe normanthedog is correct in saying your insurer will not pay out if you have not made them aware of points on your licence. 3 points for speeding does not make much of an impact on your premium. Own up!

[JudgeJ]

Technically you can only be convicted of an offence (motoring or otherwise) by a court. You must be given the opportunity to enter a plea and you will be convicted if you plead guilty or are found guilty following a trial. Fixed penalties are an indication to accept guilt and settle the matter out of court. The acceptance of a fixed penalty (for example, for speeding) does not amount to a conviction because the matter did not go before a court.

Having said that, the effect upon the individual is the same. He is, effectively, fined (although its called a "penalty" not a fine, because only courts can impose fines). He has points added to his licence (if it is an endorseable offence) and can be disqualified under the totting up procedure as a result of those points.

As far as insurance Companies are concerned you will usually find that the wording used when asking for disclosure includes a phrase concerning fixed penalties or points or something similar and does not confine itself to �convictions�. In general, the onus is upon the applicant to declare anything material to the policy. In the case of non-disclosure the policy holder may find that the company refuses to accept liability.

Fixed penalties have been around for a long time now and I�m sure the Insurance Companies appreciate the legal niceties and have worded their documents appropriately.

[ianess]

JudgeJ........that was the perfect answer. Three stars.