3 points on my license - now 3 years old ?

[Misty77]

I am just getting new car insurance quotes, and have 3 points on my license (an SP30) which are just over 3 years old. I know that they don't officially expire for 4 years, but someone told me that because they're 3 years old I don't have to mention them when I get new insurance quotes. Is that right ?

[simonruss]

NO, many companies now ask for anything within the last 5 years

[Misty77]

Yes, I had noticed that - a lot of the online companies are asking for 5 years and not 3. The points were just a one off thing and I definitely haven't got any more.

[chrisrob]

I think you still have to declare them but you also the date the points were effective from. I was in a similar position last year: 3 points that were 3 years old, and I changed my insurance. (For what I needed (including Europe cover) at the time, RAC was the best quote). When I phoned them and "confessed" my points they said it wouldn't make a difference to my premiums, not because they only had a year to run but because many drivers have an SP30 on their licence! (They didn't say, but I would expect to add, "as long as it's only one!)

[simonruss]

you could 'bend the truth' but if you have any kind of accident then your insurance is null and void leaving you open to prosecution. its not worth the risk. just come clean and pay the extra

[Misty77]

In reply to simonruss, coming clean and paying the extra is exactly what I've been doing for the past 3 years ! I rang my insurance company who told me that the points are old and won't affect my premium - unless i get anymore, which i certainly won't be doing :)

[sara3]

you have to declare exactly what is asked for. so if they say, "any points in the last 5 years" you should say yes.