There are a number of conviction types that will affect your ability to secure insurance. However, there are dedicated brokers who specialise in finding competitive insurance quotes for drivers with all manner of convictions.
When calculating a premium for your insurance, brokers will take other factors into account as well, such as your age, location, and type of car.
Driving Convictions Explained
Driving convictions are coded, with each one referring to a different type of conviction. The most common include:
Drink/Drug Driving
Related Codes: DR10, DR20, DR30, DG10
If you are caught driving over the legal drink or drug limit, you will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Punishments range from a 12-month driving ban and fines, to penalty points on your licence, and even prison time if the offence is deemed very serious.
Driving without Insurance
Related Codes: IN10
The legal minimum level of insurance required by drivers in the UK is third party only (TPO). In the event of a collision or damage, TPO cover will pay out the cost of damages done to the other vehicle. If you do not have this kind of insurance in place, you will be charged with IN10 – using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks. This will lead to penalty points on your licence and the conviction remains on your record for four years.
Speeding/Dangerous Driving
Related Codes: SP20, SP30, SP50, DD40, DD90
Driving faster than the speed limit is reckless and causes an unnecessary risk to yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Being caught and convicted of speeding will cost you points on your licence at a minimum, and hefty fines or prison time at a maximum. There are different convictions depending on the type of vehicle you drive. SP10 refers to goods vehicles, whereas SP20 refers to all other vehicle types.
Totting Up
Related Code: TT99
A TT99 conviction is an automatic ban that occurs when you have accrued more than 12 penalty points within a three year period. This type of conviction will stay on your records for four years and will definitely influence the price you pay for your insurance when you are able to get back on the road.
Criminal Convictions
Any criminal conviction – whether it is related to driving or not – will have an effect on the price of your premium. Since 2013, drivers are no longer required to disclose ‘spent’ convictions – i.e., those for which you are considered rehabilitated. This period is determined by a few factors, including the sentence given, your previous convictions history, and your age when the offence was committed.
Disqualified Driver
Disqualification means you are banned from driving. This is either as a result of being convicted of a serious enough driving offence, or by accruing 12 or more penalty points (endorsements) within a 3 year period. The length of the disqualification depends on the nature of the offence. If you are disqualified for more than 56 days, you must apply for a new license before you can start driving again. The court may order you to retake your driving test or take an extended driving test before getting your new license.