Correct. But you do still have to declare them, on pain of having your cover rendered null and void - even though you may have paid the premiums. Every proposal form contains some sort of signed declaration to the effect that you have disclosed all relevant information, and usually a clause to the effect that if you are in any doubt as to whether information is relevant you must disclose it anyway.
As for what effect 8 points will have on the quote - that varies from insurer to insurer. Some ignore anything up to 4 or 5 points. Others (e.g. Hibernian) offer a discount if you're point-free. But I'd be surprised if 8 points didn't have some impact..(?)