Car Insurance After a Totting-Up Disqualification

Who this page is for

This page is for people in the UK who have a TT99 endorsement on their driving licence and need to find car insurance. A TT99 endorsement typically indicates that you were disqualified from driving under the "totting up" procedure, which usually occurs when you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period.

Once your ban ends and you're legally allowed to drive again, getting insurance is the next step. Not all insurers will offer cover in these circumstances, and those that do may charge higher premiums or apply specific terms. This page explains what TT99 means in an insurance context, what insurers typically ask, and what factors may affect your ability to get a quote.

What TT99 usually indicates

TT99 is an endorsement code that appears on your DVLA driving licence record. Unlike other codes that relate to specific offences (such as speeding or using a mobile phone while driving), TT99 specifically refers to a disqualification imposed under the totting-up provisions.

In simple terms, totting up means accumulating penalty points from multiple offences over a period of time. When you reach 12 or more points within three years, you typically face a driving ban, often for a minimum of six months. The ban itself is the disqualification, and TT99 is the code used to record it.

The points and offences that led to the TT99 endorsement remain on your record as well. So if you were disqualified after accumulating points for, say, two speeding convictions and one mobile phone offence, those individual offence codes (such as SP30 or CU80) will still appear alongside the TT99 on your licence summary.

This distinction matters when you apply for insurance, because insurers will ask about all endorsements, not just the TT99. They'll want to know what underlying offences led to the disqualification, as well as the length of the ban and when your licence was reinstated.

What insurers may ask when you have TT99

When you complete a quote form for car insurance with convictions, you can expect questions about your driving history. The exact wording and level of detail varies between providers, but common areas of inquiry include:

Endorsements and conviction codes: You'll generally be asked to list any endorsement codes on your licence, including TT99 and the codes for the offences that led to the ban. Make sure you have an up-to-date DVLA licence summary so you can provide accurate information.

Dates of convictions and disqualification: Insurers typically want to know when each offence occurred, when the disqualification was imposed, how long the ban lasted, and when your licence was returned. These dates are not always the same, so check your records carefully.

Points on licence and whether they're still active: You may be asked how many penalty points you currently have. Points remain on your licence for a set period after the offence (usually four years for most motoring offences, though some are longer). Even if points are no longer "live" for DVLA purposes, insurers may still ask about them for a longer period—often five years from the date of conviction.

Other claims or incidents: Insurers will also ask about any claims you've made, regardless of fault, and whether you've had any accidents or incidents that didn't result in a claim. A history of multiple issues can compound the difficulty of finding cover at an affordable price.

The key point is to answer all questions as accurately as you can, based on the information shown on your DVLA driving record. Inconsistent or incomplete disclosure can lead to problems later, particularly if you need to make a claim.

What affects eligibility and cost with a TT99 endorsement

Several factors influence whether you'll be able to get insurance, and if so, how much you'll pay. Here are the main considerations:

Time since your ban ended: The further in the past your disqualification occurred, the less weight some insurers may give it—particularly if you've had no further incidents or endorsements since your licence was reinstated. However, insurers typically ask about disqualifications and convictions for at least five years, and some may consider them for longer. There's no fixed point at which a TT99 stops affecting your quotes; it depends on each provider's underwriting criteria.

The nature of the underlying offences: While TT99 itself indicates a totting-up ban, the offences that led to it matter. If your points came from relatively minor infractions, that may be viewed differently than if they involved more serious driving offences. Insurers assess the overall picture of risk, so the combination of offences and the pattern of behaviour they suggest will be taken into account.

Your overall driving and claims history: If you've also made claims, been involved in accidents, or had your insurance declined or cancelled in the past, these factors will add to the perceived risk. On the other hand, if you've otherwise had a clean record and have maintained continuous insurance since your ban ended, that may work in your favour.

Licence status and reinstatement: Insurers will want to know that your licence has been properly reinstated and that you're legally allowed to drive. If you had to retake your test or provide medical evidence as a condition of getting your licence back, be prepared to answer questions about that. Some quote forms specifically ask about the reinstatement process.

The vehicle you want to insure: The type of car you drive can significantly affect your premium, especially after a disqualification. Higher-performance vehicles, or those in higher insurance groups with expensive parts and repair costs, are generally more difficult and costly to insure. Choosing a car with a lower insurance group rating, good safety features, and modest performance may improve your chances of finding affordable cover.

How you use the vehicle: Whether you use your car for social and domestic purposes only, for commuting to work, or for business can affect the risk assessment and therefore the price. Be clear and accurate about your usage, as using the vehicle in a way not covered by your policy could invalidate a claim.

What cover may include

If an insurer is willing to offer you a policy, the structure of the cover is likely to be similar to standard car insurance. You'll typically be able to choose between third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive cover, depending on what the provider offers and what suits your needs.

Third party cover is the legal minimum and protects other people if you're responsible for an accident, but it won't cover damage to your own car. Comprehensive policies may include protection for your own vehicle as well as third-party liabilities, and may offer additional features such as windscreen cover, personal accident benefits, or courtesy car arrangements. However, the specific features and exclusions vary by insurer and policy.

In some cases, insurers may impose additional terms or restrictions. For example, you might face higher voluntary or compulsory excesses, limits on who can drive the car, or exclusions for certain types of use. It's important to read the policy schedule and certificate carefully to understand exactly what is and isn't covered before you commit.

Practical considerations when comparing quotes with TT99

Finding insurance after a totting-up disqualification requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some practical steps that may help:

Get your DVLA driving record summary: Before you start getting quotes, request your full driving record from the DVLA (this is sometimes called a "check your driving licence information" summary or a "driver record"). It shows all endorsements, points, and disqualifications currently on your licence. Having this to hand ensures you can answer questions accurately and consistently across different insurers.

Be consistent with disclosure: The information you provide when getting a quote forms the basis of your insurance contract. If you're unsure about dates, codes, or other details, check your DVLA record or court paperwork before you proceed. Discrepancies between what you declare and what the insurer later verifies (either through DVLA checks or other databases) can lead to your policy being voided or a claim being refused. Even honest mistakes can have serious consequences, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.

Understand the timelines that matter: Quote forms may ask about the date of the offence, the date of conviction, the date the disqualification started, the length of the ban, and the date your licence was reinstated. These are all different dates, and it's important to understand which question relates to which timeline. If a form asks when your ban ended, provide the date shown on your DVLA correspondence or court paperwork—not an estimate.

Check policy terms and exclusions carefully: Don't assume all policies are the same. After you receive a quote, read the policy summary, schedule, and full policy wording. Pay particular attention to excess amounts (both compulsory and voluntary), any special conditions that apply to your circumstances, and what's excluded from cover. If anything is unclear, contact the insurer to ask before you buy.

Consider the balance between premium and excess: You may be offered policies with lower premiums but higher excesses, or vice versa. A higher excess reduces what you pay upfront, but means you'll pay more out of pocket if you need to claim. Think about what you can afford both now and in the event of an accident, and choose a level that makes practical sense.

Explore payment options: Some insurers offer monthly payment plans, though availability depends on your circumstances and the provider's credit criteria. If monthly payments are available, interest or fees usually apply, so compare the total annual cost against paying in full upfront. Make sure you understand the terms and what happens if a payment is missed.

How insurers price policies with a TT99 endorsement

Insurers assess TT99 endorsements differently from standard applications. The key factors they typically consider include:

Time elapsed since reinstatement: Most insurers weight recent disqualifications more heavily. The further in the past your ban ended, the less impact it may have on pricing—though policies vary in how they apply this.

Underlying offence severity: The endorsements that led to your TT99 matter. Multiple speeding offences may be viewed differently from convictions involving dangerous driving or alcohol.

Post-ban driving record: A clean record since reinstatement demonstrates changed behaviour, which some insurers may factor positively into their assessment.

Vehicle selection: Lower insurance group vehicles with good safety ratings may help moderate premiums, as they present lower repair costs and theft risk.

How to reduce costs with a TT99 endorsement

While premiums may be higher with a TT99 on your record, these practical steps may help manage costs:

• Build time since your ban: Each year that passes without further incidents can improve your position with insurers.
• Choose your vehicle carefully: A modest, low insurance group car may attract lower premiums than high-performance vehicles.
• Consider telematics: Some insurers offer black box policies that reward safe driving behaviour, which can help demonstrate you've changed your approach.
• Compare specialist providers: Some insurers specialise in convicted driver cover and may offer more competitive rates for your situation.
• Maintain continuous cover: Gaps in insurance can add complexity. Keeping continuous cover since reinstatement may help at renewal.

Frequently asked questions

What is a TT99 endorsement in simple terms?

TT99 is an endorsement code that typically appears on your driving licence when you've been disqualified under the "totting up" process. This usually happens when you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, resulting in a driving ban. The code indicates the disqualification rather than a specific motoring offence.

Can I get car insurance after a TT99 endorsement?

Once your ban ends and your licence is reinstated, some insurers may offer cover. Availability and pricing depend on your individual circumstances, how long ago the disqualification occurred, your overall driving record, and the insurer's underwriting criteria. Each provider assesses applications differently.

What information will insurers usually ask for?

Insurers typically ask about any endorsements on your licence, including codes and dates, whether you've had a driving ban and its duration, when your licence was reinstated, and details of the points and offences that led to the disqualification. Having your DVLA driving record summary available helps you answer accurately.

Does the time since a ban or conviction affect quotes?

Generally, yes. The longer ago your disqualification occurred, the less impact it may have on pricing, particularly if you've maintained a clean driving record since then. However, insurers typically ask about convictions and bans for a set period, often five years, and their approach varies. Some may continue to consider older disqualifications.

How can I compare policies safely without missing important terms?

Read the policy schedule, certificate, and full policy wording before you buy. Check what's covered and what's excluded, pay attention to excess amounts, look for any special conditions that apply to your circumstances, and confirm the level of cover matches your needs. If anything is unclear, contact the insurer directly to ask questions before committing.

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