TT99 Car Insurance After 12 Points: What Happens Next?

If you reach 12 or more penalty points within three years, you will normally face a driving disqualification under the totting-up rules. A TT99 code is then used to record that disqualification on your driving record.

Once your ban has ended and your driving licence has been properly restored, getting car insurance may be more difficult or expensive. However, cover can still be available. At Got You Covered, we arrange specialist TT99 car insurance for drivers returning to the road after a totting-up ban, subject to insurer acceptance and policy terms.

What does a TT99 mean?

TT99 is a special DVLA code used to show a disqualification under the totting-up procedure. It is not a separate driving offence.

Under the totting-up rules, you can be disqualified if 12 or more penalty points count within a three-year period. The points may have come from several different offences rather than one incident.

For example, points could build up through speeding, using a mobile phone while driving or other motoring offences.

You can find more information about TT99 convictions and penalty points in our insurance glossary.

What happens when you reach 12 points?

If 12 or more points count within three years, a court will normally impose a totting-up disqualification.

The Sentencing Council rules on totting-up disqualifications state that the minimum period is normally six months if there is no previous qualifying disqualification. It rises to one year if one qualifying previous disqualification is taken into account, and two years if more than one is taken into account.

A previous ban normally counts for this purpose if it lasted at least 56 days and was imposed within the three years before the latest offence.

A court can reduce or avoid the normal totting-up ban in some circumstances. However, ordinary hardship is not enough. The Sentencing Council states that a claim based on hardship must amount to exceptional hardship and must be supported by evidence.

What happens when a TT99 driving ban ends?

You cannot drive until your disqualification has ended. You must also make sure you have the correct driving entitlement and valid insurance before returning to the road.

If you were disqualified for 56 days or more, you must apply for a new driving licence before driving again. A standard six-month totting-up ban is longer than this threshold. In some cases, the court may also require you to retake your driving test or take an extended test.

Do not assume that the end date of the ban alone means you can start driving. Make sure your licence has been properly restored and that suitable insurance is in force first.

Can you get car insurance after a TT99 ban?

Yes, car insurance can be available after a TT99 ban. However, some insurers may not offer cover, while others may charge more or apply different terms.

This is where specialist convicted driver insurance can be useful.

At Got You Covered, we work with insurers that consider a range of motoring histories. We can look at your full circumstances rather than treating the TT99 code as the only factor.

If you drive a commercial vehicle, we may also be able to arrange van insurance after a TT99 ban. Cover for either a car or van is only relevant once the ban has ended, your licence has been properly restored and you are legally entitled to drive.

How does a TT99 affect the cost of insurance?

There is no fixed amount that a TT99 will add to your insurance premium.

Insurers use underwriting to assess the risk and decide whether they can offer cover and on what terms. A recent TT99 may mean fewer insurers are willing to offer a policy, and the insurers that do may charge a higher premium.

The TT99 will not be the only factor. Your previous offences, claims history, age, driving experience, postcode, annual mileage, occupation, vehicle and how you use it can all affect the price.

Your no-claims bonus may also make a difference. Whether an existing no-claims bonus can be used will depend on the insurer and the evidence available.

For more detail, see what affects your car insurance premium.

How long does a TT99 stay on your driving record?

A TT99 stays on your driving record for four years from the date of conviction.

This should not be confused with the period for which a conviction is treated as unspent.

For adults, GOV.UK lists a five-year rehabilitation period for driving endorsements. A driving disqualification itself has a rehabilitation period lasting until the disqualification has ended. Where more than one sentence or disposal applies, the relevant rehabilitation period can depend on the circumstances.

When arranging insurance, answer the questions you are asked accurately. MoneyHelper states that convictions only need to be disclosed to an insurance provider if you are asked, and spent convictions do not normally need to be declared for standard insurance purposes. Check the wording of the questions and your policy terms carefully.

If you are unsure what is currently shown, you can view your driving licence information online to check your penalty points and disqualifications.

What should you prepare before getting TT99 insurance?

Having accurate information ready can make the quote process easier. An insurer or broker may ask for:

• your driving licence details and TT99 dates
• details of the offences that led to the ban
• the start and end dates of the disqualification
• information about other motoring convictions
• previous accidents and insurance claims
• your vehicle registration and any modifications
• your expected annual mileage and how the vehicle will be used
• details of any no-claims bonus you want to use.

Take care to answer each question accurately. Incorrect or incomplete information can affect the policy, premium or a future claim, depending on the circumstances.

How can you improve your chances of finding cover after a TT99?

There is no way to guarantee acceptance or a lower price, but giving insurers a clear and accurate picture can help them assess your application.

Consider the vehicle you want to insure, your expected mileage and how you will use it. A more powerful or expensive vehicle may cost more to insure, while business use or high annual mileage can also affect the premium.

It can also help to keep proof of your no-claims bonus and check your driving record before applying. Over time, avoiding further motoring convictions and claims may also change how insurers assess the risk, although future prices cannot be guaranteed.

Our insurance glossary explains terms such as premiums, underwriting, excesses, claims and no-claims bonus if you want to check insurance wording before choosing a policy.

Getting TT99 insurance with Got You Covered

A totting-up ban does not necessarily mean you will be unable to find insurance once you are legally able to drive again.

At Got You Covered, we specialise in drivers whose circumstances may not fit a standard online quote. This includes people with previous motoring convictions, previous claims and a low no-claims bonus.

We can look for TT99 insurance through insurers that may consider drivers after a totting-up disqualification. The cover, premium, excesses, exclusions and other terms available will depend on your full circumstances and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.

If your ban has ended and your licence has been properly restored, you can contact Got You Covered to discuss the options that may be available.

Frequently asked questions about TT99 insurance

Is TT99 a driving offence?

No. TT99 is a special code showing that you were disqualified under the totting-up procedure after 12 or more penalty points counted within three years. The offences that led to those points have their own codes.

How long is a TT99 driving ban?

The minimum is normally six months if no qualifying previous disqualification is taken into account. It can rise to one year or two years where qualifying previous disqualifications apply. A court may reduce or avoid the normal period in limited circumstances.

How long does TT99 stay on your record?

The TT99 code stays on a driving record for four years from the date of conviction.

Can I get insurance after a TT99 ban?

Insurance may be available once your ban has ended and your driving licence has been properly restored. Some insurers may not offer cover, so specialist convicted driver insurance can be worth considering. Acceptance, price and policy terms will depend on your circumstances and the insurer.