Car Insurance for Convicted Drivers in the UK: What You Need to Know
Having a driving conviction or points on your licence can make finding affordable car insurance in the UK challenging. Many mainstream insurers reject these profiles or charge significantly higher premiums. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get insured. With the right approach, you can still secure reliable cover from specialist insurers for convicted drivers.
This guide explains how convictions affect car insurance, which insurers can help, and what practical steps you can take to rebuild your record and reduce your costs.
Understanding Car Insurance for Convicted Drivers
When you apply for car insurance, insurers assess your driving history to determine your risk level. If you have previous driving convictions, penalty points, or a ban, they’ll consider you a high-risk driver. As a result, your premiums may rise — or you may need to work with a specialist insurer.
Types of Driving Convictions That Affect Insurance
There are over 70 types of driving offences in the UK, but these are the most common that impact insurance quotes:
- SP30: Speeding on a public road
- DR10: Driving under the influence of alcohol
- IN10: Driving without insurance
- CU80: Using a mobile phone while driving
- TS10: Failing to comply with traffic signals
Each conviction adds penalty points to your licence and remains on your record for between 4 and 11 years, depending on the severity.
How a Driving Conviction Affects Your Premium
Insurers base premiums on statistical risk. Drivers with convictions are seen as more likely to make future claims. For example, a drink-driving (DR10) offence could increase your premium by up to 80%, while minor speeding offences might add 10–15%.
Other factors that affect your premium include:
- The number of penalty points on your licence
- Whether your conviction was a one-time event or repeated behaviour
- How long ago the offence occurred
- Any additional claims or accidents on your record
If your conviction is recent, you may struggle to find cover through standard comparison sites. Instead, it’s better to use specialist convicted driver insurance providers.
Specialist Insurers for Convicted Drivers
Several UK insurers specialise in helping drivers with convictions or bans. These companies understand your circumstances and offer fair, legal, and fully compliant car insurance. They often tailor premiums based on individual risk rather than generic algorithms.
Examples of cover types include:
- Insurance after drink or drug driving offences
- Car insurance after driving without insurance (IN10)
- Cover for drivers with mobile phone or speeding convictions
- Insurance for drivers returning after a disqualification
To compare trusted providers, visit our guide on Compare High-Risk Car Insurance UK.
Steps to Reduce Your Premium After a Conviction
Even if you have convictions, you can take steps to show insurers that you’re committed to safer driving and lower your costs over time.
1. Complete a Driving Awareness or Rehabilitation Course
In some cases, courts allow drivers to take a course instead of penalty points, or after a ban. Completing one proves your responsibility and can help reduce future premiums.
2. Install a Telematics (Black Box) Device
Telematics technology records your driving behaviour, such as speed, braking, and time of travel. Safe driving over several months can earn you lower renewal rates, even after a conviction.
3. Avoid Further Offences
Even minor infractions reset your insurer’s trust. Stay alert to speed limits, use hands-free technology, and keep your licence clean moving forward.
4. Choose a Smaller or Lower-Group Vehicle
Vehicles in a low insurance group (1–10) cost less to insure. Downsizing your car can immediately reduce your premium by 20–30%.
5. Pay Annually, Not Monthly
Paying annually avoids interest and may signal financial stability — an important factor if you’ve had financial issues tied to your conviction.
How Long a Conviction Affects Your Car Insurance
Most insurers look back at your driving record for up to five years. However, serious convictions, such as drink-driving (DR10), stay on your licence for 11 years and can influence premiums during that entire period.
After five years of safe driving, most drivers see their premiums return closer to normal levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Conviction
- Not declaring a conviction: Failure to disclose it can void your policy.
- Using false information: Insurers can cancel your cover immediately.
- Applying to standard insurers: Go to specialist providers for realistic quotes.
Final Advice for Convicted Drivers
Your conviction doesn’t define your future insurance rates forever. By showing consistent, responsible behaviour, you can rebuild your profile and regain competitive pricing. The key is to be transparent, proactive, and patient.
Start today by comparing quotes from dedicated providers on our comparison page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance after a drink-driving conviction?
Yes. Specialist insurers offer cover after drink-driving bans (DR10), though premiums may be higher for up to 11 years.
Do I need to declare spent convictions?
No. Once your conviction is legally “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, you’re not required to declare it to insurers.
Can penalty points be removed from my licence early?
In some cases, minor points may be removed after 4 years, but serious convictions remain for 11 years. Always check with the DVLA.
Is it legal to drive with a pending conviction?
Yes, as long as your licence is still valid and you disclose the conviction once finalised. Failure to do so can void your insurance.