FAQs About Convicted Driver Insurance
Not sure about the ins and ours of convicted drivers insurance? We’ve answered some of the most common questions below, so you know everything necessary to start looking for your ideal quote.
What do the codes mean?
Different convictions are classified using alphanumeric codes. For example, offences relating to accidents are given the code letter A, followed by a number that pertains to a particular offence in that category. Careless driving is classed as CD and dangerous driving DD, so the letters often match the title of the offence.
The most common codes are:
- SP30 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
- SP50 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a motorway
- TS10 – Failing to comply with traffic light signals
- IN10 – Driving without valid insurance
- DR10 – Driving over the alcohol limit
- TT99 – Totting up (i.e., getting more than 12 points on your licence)
Do I declare all my convictions?
You must declare all unspent convictions, and withholding them will invalidate your insurance should you need to make a claim. Not just that, but if you do not declare your convictions, you will find it even harder to find cover in the future.
You must declare all convictions, whether they are driving-related or not. The only time you would not declare them is if they have been ‘spent’. After a set time has elapsed, the conviction will no longer apply. However, if you are sentenced to more than two and a half years in prison your conviction will never be spent.
Why does convicted driver insurance cost more?
Unfortunately, the nature of the beast is that convicted drivers present more of a risk on the road and will therefore be charged more for insurance cover. Some convictions are more serious than others, which will be taken into account when calculating your premium, but it will not change the fact that you will pay more for your insurance than someone without convictions.
There are a few ways you can try to bring down the cost of your cover. Choosing a specialist broker, like the ones we partner with, may help to reduce the price as specialist brokers understand the uniqueness of your situation.
You could also increase your excess, however this will increase the amount you will need to pay if you make a claim. Whilst higher excess means lower premiums, you still need to know you will be able to pay that higher amount in the event of a claim.
Reducing your mileage will also help decrease the risk you present to other road users, as you will be spending less time on it. If you do need to be on the road more frequently, you could try to install a black box. Telematics records your driving data which can then be communicated to your broker – the safer your driving, the lower your premium may be.
Also, taking security more seriously can help; use a steering wheel lock or ensure the car is parked off-road or locked away in a garage.
What can I do if I am refused cover?
The majority of brokers will struggle to give you a good insurance rate, which is why specialist brokers are so important. Of course, you have the option to stay off the road until your conviction has been spent, however this is rarely plausible for people who have developed a reliance on their car (for work or family, for example).
Shopping around is a good way to compare quotes from multiple brokers, some of which may be able to provide you with better quotes than others. If that sounds stressful, you can fill out our form and be put in touch with a panel of expert convicted driver insurance brokers who can help you create a bespoke policy that works for you.
My ban hasn’t been lifted yet, can I still get a quote?
If you have a driving ban, you will not be able to get insurance until the ban has been lifted. You can still apply to brokers, however they will only provide a quote within a 30 day period, so it is best to wait until your ban has been lifted.
If you have been banned for a short period of time, you can keep your car legal and insured by applying for a SORN – which stands for Statutory Off-Road Notice. This will tell the necessary parties that your vehicle does not need on-road insurance as it is not going to be driven. Without a SORN, the car will need to be insured against third-party damage.
Is there a minimum age for convicted drivers insurance?
Typically, the minimum age you need to be to apply for a convicted drivers insurance policy is 18. Bear in mind, your age will be a contributory factor when calculating your premium price.