Should a driver declare his penalty points to his insurer?

My son received 3 points on his licence and a £40 fine in November 2006 for failing to stop at a red light, his insurance is due for renewal in May 2007 and a friend has told me he should tell his insurance company now about getting the 3 points as it may make his insurance invalid. I know he will have to declare his 3 points when he renews his policy but never thought he would have to do it now? He is also a named driver on my policy although rarely drives my car but do I have to tell my insurance company too. Many thanks

It is always wise to declare penalty points to an insurer as and when they are awarded. Many insurers will do whatever they can to avoid paying a claim and will regard the failure to disclose penalty points as a failure to disclose a material fact and while this may not void the insurance in the event of a claim it may give them grounds for "negotiation."

For the same reason you should also disclose the points he has received to your insurer.

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