Key facts from this guide
- 3–6 points (minor speeding): small increase, often around 10–30%.
- 6–9 points (multiple offences): premiums may climb 30–50%.
In this guide
If you carry goods or food for payment, you need hire and reward insurance on top of standard cover.
Why Penalty Points Matter for Couriers
Penalty points on your licence make insurers see you as higher risk. Whether they come from speeding, phone use or other offences, they increase the chance of future claims in the eyes of insurers. For couriers, who already face long hours and busy roads, that can make cover noticeably more expensive.
Typical Impact of Points
The more points you have, the more your premium is likely to rise:
- 3–6 points (minor speeding): small increase, often around 10–30%
- 6–9 points (multiple offences): premiums may climb 30–50%
- 10+ points or serious offences: some insurers may refuse cover altogether
Exact increases vary, but the key takeaway is that points always push costs up.
Staying Legal on the Road
Even with points, you still need specialist protection to work as a courier. The basic requirement is a policy that allows you to carry goods for payment. On top of that, most drivers choose to add protection for the parcels they carry and for interactions with customers. For a full overview, see our courier insurance page.
Reducing the Cost if You Have Points
There are still steps you can take to keep premiums manageable:
- Drive safely to avoid new penalties and show insurers you’re improving
- Choose a smaller or less powerful van if you’re just starting out
- Install telematics or a black box to prove careful driving
- Pay annually if you can, to avoid monthly interest charges
- Compare multiple providers rather than sticking with one option
Building Back Trust With Insurers
Penalty points don’t stay on your licence forever. As they expire and you prove you can drive responsibly, insurers may gradually reduce your premiums. Building up a no-claims discount over the same period will also help.
Related Reading
If you’re new to delivery work, you may also find our guide on what insurance you need to deliver parcels with a van useful.
Final Thoughts
Points on your licence make it harder and more expensive to get insured as a courier, but they don’t have to stop you working. By comparing options, improving your driving record and being smart with your vehicle choice, you can keep costs under control and protect your income.
Frequently asked questions
How much do penalty points increase courier insurance?
The article gives rough ranges: 3 to 6 points for minor speeding often adds around 10 to 30 per cent, 6 to 9 points may add 30 to 50 per cent, and with 10 or more points or serious offences some insurers may refuse cover altogether.
Can I still work as a courier with points on my licence?
Yes. Points make cover harder and more expensive to get, but they do not stop you working. You still need a policy that allows carrying goods for payment.
How can I reduce courier insurance costs if I have penalty points?
Drive safely to avoid further penalties, choose a smaller or less powerful van, consider a telematics black box, pay annually to avoid interest, and compare several providers.
Will my courier insurance premium come down as penalty points expire?
It may. Points do not stay on your licence forever, and as they expire and you show responsible driving, insurers may gradually reduce premiums. Building a no-claims discount over the same period also helps.
Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
