A driving conviction can have a serious impact on your life, especially when it comes to finding affordable car insurance.
Regardless of whether you've been convicted for speeding, drink-driving, or driving without insurance, insurers will view you as a higher-risk driver. This means you will most likely pay higher premiums and, in some cases, find it difficult to get cover.
But don’t panic, that doesn't mean you’re out of options. In this guide, we’ll explain how a driving conviction can affect your insurance rates, how insurers assess risk, and practical steps you can take to find convicted driver insurance.
How will a driving conviction affect my insurance premiums?
As previously mentioned, a driving conviction can result in a significant increase in your motor insurance premiums. To insurers the conviction suggests a pattern of unsafe or unlawful driving behaviour. Therefore, they could perceive you as a higher risk and more likely to make a claim in the future, than someone with a clean record.
How do insurance companies assess risk after a driving conviction?
Even convictions for minor driving offences can raise a red flag for insurers, who may think you won’t follow the rules of the road, and therefore adjust your premium accordingly.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why insurers are likely to charge more:
Increased risk of accidents
It is thought that drivers with motoring convictions are more likely to be involved in accidents. A history of careless or reckless driving tells insurers that, even if you’re a good driver overall, you're more likely to take risks that could lead to claims.
Potentially higher costs to the insurer
If convicted drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, insurers may be led to believe there is an increased likelihood of paying out for larger or more frequent claims. This could range from the cost of vehicle repairs to medical expenses and liability claims, which could be notably higher if you’re involved in a serious accident.
Reoffending concerns
Some types of convictions, especially drink-driving or drug-related offences, come with the risk of reoffending. If you’ve been caught once, insurers fear it may happen again, and this heightened risk leads them to raise your premiums as a precaution.
This risk-based approach makes it more expensive for convicted drivers to get insurance, but, as previously mentioned, the increased premium reflects the heightened possibility that the insurer will have to pay out for a claim.
It’s also important to remember that some insurers may refuse to offer coverage entirely depending on the type and severity of your conviction. High-risk drivers often need to seek out specialist insurers who are more experienced in dealing with convicted drivers, but often charge higher premiums as a result.
Types of Driving Convictions
Below we’ve highlighted some common driving convictions:
Speeding
This is one of the most common driving convictions, and multiple speeding offences could lead to even higher insurance premiums.
Drink-driving (DR10)
This is a serious conviction that typically results in considerable premium increases and limits your insurance options.
Dangerous or reckless driving (DR40/DR50)
Major convictions like these are likely to result in the highest premium hikes.
Driving without insurance (IN10)
Being convicted for driving without valid insurance can also increase your premiums significantly.
A full breakdown of convictions, also known as endorsements or penalty points can be found here.
Influencing factors insurance companies use to assess the risk of insuring a convicted driver.
Type of conviction
Major offences like drink-driving or dangerous driving raise red flags for insurers. These suggest recklessness or poor decision-making, which insurers link to higher claims risks.
Time since conviction
The more recent the conviction, the more of a detrimental affect it can have on your premium. Typically, the length of time a motoring offence stays on your licence is governed by road traffic legislation and will generally be either 4 or 11 years.[i]
Driving history
Previous driving infractions, even those without convictions, can further increase your perceived risk.
Shopping for insurance as a convicted driver
Having a motoring conviction can make finding motor insurance difficult, but not altogether impossible. It may be tempting to drive without insuring your vehicle, to avoid the hassle of finding insurance, but this can result in a further conviction, making an already bad situation even worse.
Use a specialist insurer
Many mainstream insurers may decline coverage, but specialist providers cater specifically to high-risk drivers, including those with motoring convictions. These insurers understand the needs of convicted drivers and may be able to offer affordable cover.
Compare multiple quotes
Don’t settle on the first quote you get. Compare quotes from several insurers, including mainstream and specialist providers. Brokers, such as Lifesure, can be invaluable, as we work with multiple insurers and can help you to find cost-effective solutions.
When obtaining a quote, you’ll need to declare your convictions. Convictions, also known as endorsements or penalty points, stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. This can start from either the date you’re convicted or the date of your offence. It might be tempting to hide convictions to reduce your premium, but not declaring convictions can invalidate your insurance, and this is essentially like driving without cover.
Always read the small print when comparing insurance quotes. Some insurers may offer low premiums but have high excesses or limited coverage.
How can I reduce my insurance premiums with a driving conviction?
While there’s no quick fix for high premiums after a driving conviction, you can take steps to lower your risk profile, which could result in lower premiums over time. Even with a driving conviction, there are ways to reduce your insurance premiums. By taking advantage of ‘built in’ policy discounts and bundles, you can help soften the financial blow.
Telematics insurance
Also known as ‘black box’ car insurance, a small box is fitted to your vehicle to monitor the way you drive. The information recorded by the box is shared with you and your insurance company. It allows you to see how you’re doing and make the necessary improvements. If you drive safely, your insurance company will be able to see this and may adjust your premium.
Defensive driving courses
Completing a recognised defensive driving course, such as drink-drive rehabilitation, or a driving offender retraining scheme course, can show insurers that you're serious about improving your driving habits, which could also lead to premium reductions. These courses are usually attainable by invite only.
Bundling policies
If you have other types of insurance (e.g., home insurance), bundling these with your car insurance can sometimes result in significant savings.
Flexible payment plans
Some insurers offer monthly payment options, which can help to make higher premiums more manageable but may cost more overall than paying in full.
Drive safely and keep a clean record
The longer you go without any new infractions or convictions, the more likely your insurance premiums will drop. A clean record is a strong signal to insurers that you’re not the same driver you were at the time of the conviction.
Regular vehicle maintenance
Ensuring your car is well-maintained and roadworthy can reduce the risk of accidents. Insurers may also consider this when assessing your risk profile.
Lower your mileage
Driving fewer miles can reduce your risk of being involved in accidents, and some insurers offer lower rates for low-mileage drivers.
Here’s where we can help!
Our team at Lifesure can help to take the stress out of finding convicted driver cover.
We work with a panel of some of the leading UK insurers and can quickly source convicted driver motor insurance policies to suit your needs, based on the information you give us.
We can help those with drink driving and other motoring convictions such as:
•DR10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol concentration above limit
•DR20 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drink
•DR30 Driving or attempting to drive, then refusing to provide a specimen
•DR40 In charge of a vehicle with alcohol concentration above limit
•DR50 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink
•DR70 Failing to provide specimen for breath test
•IN10 Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
Why not give us a call on 01480 402 460 today, and we can help you to get you back on the road!
[i] Information taken from https://unlock.org.uk/advice/d...
‘Did You Know?’ graphic information taken from https://www.met.police.uk/adv...
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Lifesure Group Limited trading as Lifesure and Lifesure Insurance Broker accepts no liability for any inaccuracy accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
