am dreading my renewal i already pay £175 a month thats fully comp for me and the missis but i have 9points 
jeez, i was only paying £35 a month fully comp a year ago when i had 12 points.
I thought 12 points = a ban?
Depends on circumstances.. I've known of people who got 12 points, went to court and pleaded that without their car they would loose their business or job etc... so have been given the points, massive fines and court fee's but allowed to drive with the knowledge that if they get in trouble again while the points are still in affect they could face worse punishment, longer ban than what they could have had originally etc.