This article contains tops tips from our financial experts, backed by in-depth research.

Wajahat Raja

Last review July 2023

Getting Car Insurance With Cancelled Insurance

Recent figures have shown that nearly 2.3 million drivers in the United Kingdom (UK) have penalty points on their driving licence. Penalty points are awarded to drivers who violate certain traffic regulations. Some of these may include speeding or running a red light. As a driver in the UK, these penalty points influence the insurance premiums. 

If a driver has too many of them, the insurance provider may choose to revoke their coverage. In addition, factors like missed payments, licence suspension, or a change in personal circumstances may also lead to an insurance cancellation. Finding new coverage after that point can be a bit challenging, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be obtained.

What would my car insurance get cancelled for? 

Car insurance in the UK is affected by a number of different factors. When an insurance provider finds out that you intentionally or unintentionally violated the terms of the contract, they may choose to cancel the policy. In addition, some other reasons that may lead to a cancellation of insurance policies include: 

  • Missed premium payment
  • Inadequate documentation
  • Suspended driver’s licence
  • Non-disclosure of traffic violations
  • Failure to meet or comply with terms and conditions

Car insurance in the UK is affected by a number of different factors. When an insurance provider finds out that you intentionally or unintentionally violated the terms of the contract, they may choose to cancel the policy. In addition, some other reasons that may lead to a cancellation of insurance policies include: 

Can I still drive if my insurance has been cancelled?  

If you, or someone you know, has cancelled your car insurance, driving should be avoided. Driving with cancelled car insurance may lead to monetary penalties and/or penalty points being added to your licence. Either case will make things worse. In addition, driving with no car insurance may also lead to: 

  • Revocation of your driver’s licence.
  • Confiscation of your licence plates.
  • Vehicle impoundment
  • Imprisonment

Affordable car insurance for drivers with convictions and points

Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.

Can car insurers see if I’ve had cancelled insurance before? 

Yes, vehicle insurers are able to view your driving record and insurance history. So, if you've had insurance cancelled previously, your new potential provider will be able to find out. When seeking car insurance with previously cancelled insurance coverage, it’s important to let the provider know. 

However, it’s important to note that once a provider knows you’ve had a previous policy cancelled, they may charge you increased premium rates. Furthermore, if the providers find out that your previous policy was cancelled after providing you with coverage, immediate termination may occur.

Can a cancelled car insurance policy be removed from the record? 

No, cancelled car insurance can not be removed from the record. In the UK, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) holds the record for all incurred vehicles in the UK. It’s important to note that these records hold information on cancelled policies. An insurance provider uses this information to assess your risk and determines whether or not to offer you coverage. 

What’s the difference between policy cancellation and non-renewal? 

Insurance coverage and terminology can be a bit confusing for everyone. A policy cancellation is when the insurance provider chooses to discontinue the coverage mid-term. As mentioned, a cancellation may occur due to a number of different reasons, such as severe traffic violations or adherence to terms and conditions. 

A non-renewal, on the other hand, is a bit different. Firstly, in a non-renewal, the insurance provider continues the coverage until the completion of the term. In addition, where a cancellation is a direct result of the driver’s actions, a policy number renewal may occur due to various reasons:

  • Problems the insurance company is facing
  • Provider choosing to discontinue their services
  • Decline the number of customers in your region

Can I still get insurance after having my policy cancelled?  

Yes, getting car insurance is still possible after having your policy cancelled and is a requirement. However, it’s important to note that some insurance providers may be a bit reluctant when offering coverage to those with prior policy cancellations. In addition, those offering that coverage may charge increased premium rates. 

Will my car insurance be affordable after policy cancellation? 

Generally, the insurance policies you’re offered will be more expensive than the ones you’ve had cancelled. This is because a cancelled car insurance policy means that a carrier, at one point, determined that providing insurance to you is too big of a risk as you’re not a credible driver. However, opting for a usage-based policy may help you find affordable coverage.  

What is usage-based insurance (UBI) coverage?

UBI is insurance coverage that’s offered by some insurance carriers. Unlike traditional insurance coverage, in a UBI policy, the premium rates are determined by vehicle telematics. Vehicle telematics serves as a representation of your driving skills and behaviours and can help providers determine the extent of risk they take when giving you insurance coverage. Some examples of these telematics include:

  • Speed
  • Acceleration
  • Hard braking
  • Hard cornering
  • Miles driven
  • Idling time
  • Phone usage while driving

Do I need to get a tracking system for UBI coverage? 

If you’re someone who is considering getting UBI coverage, you need to know that data for each of the factors mentioned above are transmitted via cellular, GPS, or other similar signals. Whether you need a separate device will depend on the vehicle you drive and the insurance provider. 

Most modern vehicles come equipped with telematic tracking, so a separate device, in this case, might not be needed. However, your provider may still require the use of a separate device if the vehicle’s system doesn’t adhere to its tracking requirements.

How should I find the best offer for me after policy cancellation? 

There are a number of things you can do to find suitable coverage after policy cancellation. Firstly, when seeking insurance coverage, it’s better to go online and compare insurance quotes. This will help you find the most affordable option. In addition, you should also speak to multiple providers, explain why the previous policy was cancelled, and seek to avail discounts if possible.

Did you know?  1.3 million car insurance policies cancelled annually in the UK

Get your quotes now

As the name suggests, we can provide multiple quotes for convicted driver insurance or thies with points. The panel is able and willing to provide you with car insurance,  for those that have collected a few too many points on their licence. Simply click the Get Quotes option below and fill in a quick form to get access to multiple quotes. Then all you have to do is pick the best one!

Affordable car insurance for drivers with convictions and points

Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.

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