Compare PC20 Car Insurance – Mobile Phone Offence Cover

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  • If you have a PC20 conviction, you should get insurance.
  • There is special coverage available for mobile phone offenses.
  • Compare different insurance companies for high-risk drivers.

What Is a PC20 Conviction?

A PC20 conviction occurs when a driver allows someone else to use a mobile phone while driving. This rule applies to employers, vehicle owners, and passengers. They must not allow a driver to use a mobile device in a moving vehicle.

A PC20 endorsement is a big problem for drivers. It adds six penalty points to your record. You could face a fine of up to £1,000. If you are driving a bus or a large truck (HGV), the fine can be as high as £2,500. This motoring offence will stay on your driving licence for four years from the date of the offence.

PC20 Conviction Penalties

Offence Penalty Points Fine Licence Endorsement Duration
Causing or permitting a driver to use a mobile phone (PC20) 6 Up to £1,000 (£2,500 for commercial drivers) 4 years

Did you know? Employers who ask workers to make or answer calls while driving could face issues under PC20 rules.

PC10 vs PC20 vs PC30 – Understanding the Differences

A PC10, PC20, or PC30 conviction happens when a person drives while using a mobile phone. Each type of conviction is taken seriously in different ways. This can affect your motor insurance in several ways.

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Impact on Insurance
PC10 Using a mobile phone while driving 6 High risk – Increases insurance coverage costs
PC20 Permitting a driver to use a mobile phone 6 Insurers may decline cover due to a criminal record
PC30 Supervising a learner driver while using a mobile phone 6 May lead to policy restrictions on third-party fire cover

A PC20 conviction can have a big impact on your car insurance. It shows that you have broken the law. Because of this, you might have to pay higher rates. Some insurance companies may even choose not to provide coverage for you because of this unspent conviction.

How a PC20 Conviction Affects Car Insurance

A PC20 driving offence is seen as very risky by insurance providers. It suggests that the driver does not value road safety. As a result, insurance rates can rise significantly for anyone with a PC20 conviction.

Why Insurance Companies Increase Premiums for PC20 Convictions

  • Higher risk – Insurance companies see distractions while driving as a major reason for accidents.
  • Less insurance choices – Some insurance companies will not insure drivers with a PC20 conviction.
  • Limited coverage – Many insurers offer only third-party fire and theft instead of full coverage.

Estimated Insurance Cost Increase for PC20 Convictions

Conviction Type Monthly Premium Before Conviction (£) Monthly Premium After Conviction (£) Percentage Increase
Standard Driver (No Convictions) £40 - £90 £40 - £90 No increase
PC20 – Permitting a driver to use a mobile phone £50 - £100 £100 - £200 80% - 200%
SP30 – Speeding (non-motorway) £50 - £100 £90 - £160 60% - 150%
IN10 – Driving without insurance £80 - £120 £150 - £300 100% - 250%

Fact: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) helps insurance providers support drivers who have criminal records. This means that high-risk drivers can find fair insurance prices.

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How Long Does a PC20 Conviction Affect Car Insurance?

A PC20 endorsement will stay on your driving record for four years. But, insurance companies might take it into account for your premiums for as long as five years.

Timeframe Impact on Car Insurance
1 - 4 Years Conviction remains on drivers licence, increasing premiums.
4 Years DVLA removes endorsement from the licence.
5 Years Many insurers stop considering PC20 convictions in pricing.

Fact: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act says that a PC20 conviction is done after five years. This means that some insurance companies might not count it when they decide their quotes.

PC20 Conviction and Road Safety Laws

A PC20 offense occurs when you break the rules at pedestrian crossings. Using a mobile phone while driving can make it hard to follow these rules.

  • Not stopping at red lights
  • Getting distracted at zebra and pedestrian crossings
  • Slower reactions to road hazards

Drivers who have a PC20 conviction could face penalties for careless driving. This chance increases if the careless driving was caused by using a mobile phone.

How to Reduce Car Insurance Costs After a PC20 Conviction

A PC20 conviction can cause your car insurance premiums to go up. But there are ways to get affordable cover if you have a good plan.

Four Ways to Lower Insurance Costs After a PC20 Conviction:

  • Use a panel of FCA-approved insurers – Some brokers work with several providers. They assist people with convicted driver insurance to find fair prices.
  • Choose third-party fire and theft cover – This option costs less than comprehensive policies. It can help you save money.
  • Increase your voluntary excess – A higher excess could reduce your monthly payments. This gives you peace of mind when choosing your policy.
  • Compare car insurance on a price comparison site – A panel of insurance providers can help you find the best rates quickly. You only need a few minutes to check several insurers.

Correct as of 19 March 2025

FAQs About PC20 Car Insurance

Yes, the price of insurance will go up. A group of insurance providers can help you get a better deal.

A PC20 endorsement can make your insurance costs go up by 80% to 200%. The exact amount will depend on the insurance company you select.

If a boss allows workers to use a mobile phone while driving, they may have legal issues under PC20 laws.

A PC20 conviction will earn you six penalty points. This number is higher than the usual three to six penalty points for most speeding charges, such as SP30 or SP50.

Yes, insurance companies might request higher payments. They could also want to change the main driver on the policy. This means they may want to list a different person as the primary driver.

A PC20 conviction can affect how much you pay for van insurance. This is important for people who drive vans for work. Insurance companies usually view van drivers with mobile phone offenses as a higher risk. Because of this, they might give fewer policy options and raise the costs.

A PC20 conviction does not lead to an instant driving ban. But, it does add six penalty points to your driving licence. If a driver gets 12 or more points within three years, they might be disqualified because of totting-up rules.

Yes, having a PC20 motoring conviction can make it hard to get fleet insurance. This is especially true if the conviction is new. Many insurance companies check a driver's conviction history when deciding on coverage. If you have several endorsements, they may limit your policy or exclude certain sections.

Insurance providers look at your driving records when you renew your policy. If you get a PC20 endorsement after your policy begins, the insurance company might change your premium. In some cases, they could choose not to renew your policy at all.

A PC20 conviction can impact other drivers on the insurance policy. This matters a lot if the convicted driver is the main driver. Insurance providers consider all drivers listed when assessing risk. If a high-risk driver is on the policy, it could increase the overall insurance premium.

PC20 convictions are the same across the UK. However, in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, people often face higher insurance costs. This is due to the fewer insurance providers available in those places. The rules for underwriting are also different in those regions.

Insurance policies for company vehicles can vary. If a driver gets a PC20 conviction while using a company car, it could create problems with their job. Some companies may choose to reduce or limit car access for employees who have been convicted.

A PC20 conviction can lead to higher insurance costs for an electric vehicle (EV). This is like what occurs with petrol or diesel cars. Some insurance providers for EVs may have tougher rules for drivers with convictions. This might mean higher prices or fewer options for policies.

Insurance companies can check a driver's motoring offence history through the DVLA database. When drivers apply for a policy, they must mention any past convictions. Insurers might look at this information during the form submission process.

A PC20 conviction will remain on your driving licence for four years. You cannot remove it before that time. After five years, it will be considered a spent conviction according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. This means some car insurance companies might not consider it when deciding your insurance rates.

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Page last updated on: 25/03/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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