Convicted Driver Insurance
Specialist Insurance for Convicted Drivers
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What Is Convicted Driver Insurance?
Convicted driver insurance is specialist car insurance for drivers who have motoring convictions, penalty points, or a driving ban on their record. It covers the same risks as standard car insurance but is underwritten by insurers who accept higher-risk drivers.
Most mainstream insurers either refuse to quote for drivers with convictions or charge significantly higher premiums. Specialist convicted driver policies exist specifically for this market, and they often work out cheaper than trying to get a standard policy with a conviction declared.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, thanks to our partnership with Quotezone you can compare quotes from specialist convicted driver insurers through a FCA-authorised comparison platform. You fill in one form and get prices from multiple providers, so you can find the best deal without calling around.
How To Compare Convicted Driver Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote.co.uk
The comparison tool searches specialist convicted driver insurers to find you the best price. The process takes a few minutes.
Enter your details
Fill in one form with your car registration, driving history, and conviction details. You will need the conviction code, date of conviction, and any penalty points or disqualification period.
Compare your quotes
The tool returns prices from multiple specialist car insurance companies side by side. You can compare by price, cover level, and excess.
Check policy details
Before buying, check the excess (both compulsory and voluntary), any telematics requirements, and whether the policy includes add-ons like breakdown cover or legal expenses.
Buy online
Once you have chosen a policy, you can buy directly online. All quotes are provided through FCA-regulated providers.
Who Needs Convicted Driver Insurance?
You need convicted driver insurance if you have any unspent motoring conviction that makes it difficult to get cover through a standard insurer.
This includes drivers with drink or drug driving convictions (DR10, DG10), speeding endorsements (SP30, SP50), driving without insurance (IN10), dangerous driving charges (DD series), and those who have been disqualified and are returning to the road.
It also applies if you have had a policy cancelled by a previous insurer, or if you have accumulated 12 or more penalty points (a TT99 ‘totting up’ disqualification). Even non-motoring criminal convictions can affect your ability to get standard car insurance.
How Much Does Convicted Driver Insurance Cost?
The cost depends on the type of conviction, how recently it happened, and your overall driving profile. Premiums range from a modest increase for minor endorsements to double or triple the standard rate for serious offences.
Typical premium increases by conviction type
| Conviction type | Code | Typical premium increase | How long it affects you |
| Speeding (standard) | SP30 | 10–25% | 4 years from offence |
| Speeding (motorway) | SP50 | 10–25% | 4 years from offence |
| Mobile phone use | CU80 | 25–50% | 4 years from offence |
| Driving without insurance | IN10 | 50–100% | 4 years from offence |
| Drink driving | DR10 | 100–200%+ | 11 years on licence |
| Drug driving | DG10 | 100–200%+ | 11 years on licence |
| Dangerous driving | DD40 | 100–300%+ | 4–11 years |
| Totting up (12+ points) | TT99 | 150–300%+ | Until points expire |
These are indicative ranges based on market data. Your actual premium will depend on your full driving history, the car you drive, your age, and where you live. The only way to get an accurate price is to compare quotes.
For more on how insurers calculate your price, see how is car insurance calculated.
What Are Driving Conviction Codes?
Every motoring offence in the UK is recorded using a two-letter code followed by a number. The DVLA and courts use these codes to categorise offences on your driving licence. Insurers use them to assess your risk level and set your premium.
Drink and drug driving offences (DR / DG)
| Code | Offence | Penalty points | Disqualification |
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol | 3–11 | 12–36 months minimum |
| DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink | 3–11 | 12–36 months minimum |
| DR30 | Driving or attempting to drive then failing to provide a specimen | 3–11 | 12–36 months minimum |
| DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit | 10 | At court’s discretion |
| DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10 | At court’s discretion |
| DG10 | Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above limit | 3–11 | 12 months minimum |
| DG40 | In charge of a vehicle while drug level above limit | 10 | At court’s discretion |
Drink and drug driving convictions are the most serious for insurance purposes. A DR10 conviction stays on your licence for 11 years and must be declared to insurers for at least 5 years. Most mainstream insurers will not quote for drivers with a DR10.
Speeding offences (SP)
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
| SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3–6 |
| SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle | 3–6 |
| SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3–6 |
| SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3–6 |
| SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3–6 |
SP30 is the most common driving conviction in the UK. A single SP30 will typically add 10–25% to your premium. Multiple speeding convictions are more of a problem, as they suggest a pattern of risk.
Insurance offences (IN)
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
| IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks | 6–8 |
| IN14 | Using a vehicle uninsured (subsequently disqualified) | 6–8 |
An IN10 is one of the most damaging convictions for insurance, because it tells the insurer you previously drove without cover. If your car was seized as a result, you may also need impounded car insurance to get it released before arranging a standard policy.
Dangerous and careless driving (DD / CD)
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
| CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3–9 |
| CD20 | Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3–9 |
| CD30 | Driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration | 3–9 |
| DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3–11 |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3–11 |
| DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving | 3–11 |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3–11 |
DD-series convictions carry the heaviest penalties and the biggest insurance impact. Drivers with DD convictions will almost always need specialist cover.
Other common conviction codes
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
| CU80 | Using a mobile phone while driving | 6 |
| BA10 | Driving while disqualified by order of court | 6 |
| MS90 | Failure to give information as to identity of driver | 6 |
| TT99 | Disqualification under totting-up procedure (12+ points) | N/A – automatic ban |
| LC20 | Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence | 3–6 |
For a full list of all conviction codes, see the UK Government’s endorsement codes list.
Do You Have to Declare Driving Convictions to Insurers?
Yes. You must declare all unspent motoring convictions when you apply for car insurance. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy, meaning your insurer can refuse to pay a claim.
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, most driving convictions become ‘spent’ after a set period. Once a conviction is spent, you no longer have to declare it. However, some insurers still ask about spent convictions; they cannot legally require you to disclose them, but you should understand their policy before buying.
How long do you need to declare each conviction?
| Conviction type | Stays on licence | Must declare to insurers |
| Speeding (SP30, SP50) | 4 years from offence | 5 years (until spent) |
| Mobile phone (CU80) | 4 years from offence | 5 years (until spent) |
| Driving without insurance (IN10) | 4 years from offence | 5 years (until spent) |
| Careless driving (CD10–CD30) | 4 years from offence | 5 years (until spent) |
| Drink driving (DR10–DR50) | 11 years from conviction | 5 years (until spent) |
| Drug driving (DG10) | 11 years from conviction | 5 years (until spent) |
| Dangerous driving (DD series) | 4–11 years | 5 years (until spent) |
| Totting up (TT99) | 4 years from conviction | 5 years (until spent) |
The key distinction is between how long points remain visible on your licence and how long you must declare the conviction to insurers. A DR10 stays on your licence for 11 years, but it becomes spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act after 5 years from the date of conviction (or 7 years if the sentence was more than 6 months).
How To Get Cheaper Convicted Driver Insurance?
Convicted driver premiums are higher because insurers see you as a greater risk. The best way to reduce what you pay is to lower that perceived risk wherever you can.
Fit a telematics (black box) device
A black box insurance policy tracks your driving behaviour and rewards safe driving with lower premiums. For convicted drivers, this is one of the most effective ways to prove you have changed your habits. Some specialist insurers offer convicted driver policies with telematics built in.
Take an advanced driving course
Completing a recognised course like Pass Plus, IAM RoadSmart, or the RoSPA Advanced Drivers test shows insurers you are actively improving your driving. Some providers offer a discount for course completion.
Increase your voluntary excess
Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess per claim reduces your premium. Make sure you can afford it if you do need to claim, but for convicted drivers this trade-off is often worth it.
Choose a lower insurance group car
Smaller, lower-powered cars in insurance groups 1–10 cost significantly less to insure. If you are buying a new car after a conviction, choosing one in a cheap insurance group can offset some of the premium increase.
Pay your premium annually
Monthly payments include interest, which typically adds 15–20% to the total cost over the year. If you can afford to pay upfront, you will save money.
Build up a no-claims discount
Every claim-free year earns you a no-claims discount that can cut your premium by up to 70% over five years. A conviction does not reset your no-claims bonus, only a fault claim does.
Compare specialist quotes
Different insurers weight convictions very differently. One provider might charge 50% more for a DR10 while another charges 120% more. The only way to find the best price is to compare quotes from multiple specialist providers.
What Happens If You Do Not Declare A Conviction?
If you fail to declare a motoring conviction that you are legally required to disclose, your insurer can void your policy from the start. This means they treat it as if the policy never existed.
The consequences are serious. Any claim you make can be rejected entirely. You may have to repay claims the insurer has already settled on your behalf. Your details may be added to the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) database, which makes it harder and more expensive to get insurance in the future.
In the worst case, non-disclosure can be treated as insurance fraud, which is a criminal offence. It is always cheaper in the long run to declare honestly and pay the higher premium than to risk a voided policy when you need it most.
What’s The Difference Between Spent & Unspent Convictions?
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 divides convictions into two categories. An ‘unspent’ conviction is still within its rehabilitation period and must be disclosed to insurers. A ‘spent’ conviction has passed its rehabilitation period and, by law, does not need to be disclosed.
For most motoring offences, the rehabilitation period is 5 years from the date of conviction (or 7 years if the sentence was more than 6 months’ imprisonment). After this period, the conviction is spent and you can answer ‘no’ if an insurer asks whether you have any convictions.
Some insurers ask about both spent and unspent convictions. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, they cannot require you to disclose spent convictions, and your policy cannot be invalidated for not declaring them. If an insurer insists on knowing about spent convictions, you may want to find a different provider.
Can You Get Insurance After A Driving Ban?
Yes, you can get car insurance after a driving ban, but you will need to use a specialist insurer. Standard providers typically decline drivers who have been disqualified.
If you were disqualified for drink or drug driving, you may need to pass a medical assessment and reapply for your licence before you can drive again. Once your licence is restored, you can apply for convicted driver insurance.
Your premium will be highest in the first year after a ban and should reduce each year as the conviction ages, provided you drive cleanly. Building up a no-claims discount during this period makes a significant difference.
If you need cover for a short period while you get back on your feet, temporary convicted driver insurance is available from as little as one day.
Do Non-Motoring Convictions Affect Car Insurance?
Yes. Most car insurance application forms ask about criminal convictions as well as motoring convictions. A non-motoring conviction (such as theft, assault, or fraud) can increase your premium or lead to a declined application.
Insurers view certain criminal convictions as indicators of higher risk. Fraud convictions are particularly problematic because they suggest a higher likelihood of making a fraudulent claim. Theft convictions can also increase premiums because they affect the insurer’s assessment of the risk of the vehicle being stolen.
The same spent/unspent rules apply. Once a non-motoring conviction is spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, you do not need to declare it. Rehabilitation periods for criminal convictions vary depending on the sentence; check the legislation for your specific situation.
What Cover Levels Are Available for Convicted Drivers?
Convicted drivers can get the same three levels of cover as any other motorist: third-party only, third-party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive.
Third-party only is the legal minimum and covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property.
Third-party, fire and theft adds cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Fully comprehensive covers damage to your own car as well.
Contrary to what many convicted drivers assume, comprehensive cover is not always the most expensive option. Insurers associate third-party-only policies with higher-risk drivers, so comprehensive cover can sometimes be cheaper. Always compare all three levels when getting quotes.
What Are Drink & Drug Driver Rehabilitation Courses?
Courts can offer offenders a place on a rehabilitation course through the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS). Completing a course can reduce your disqualification period by up to 25%.
The Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) is the most common course for drink driving offenders. It typically involves 16–30 hours of group sessions covering the effects of alcohol on driving ability, the law, and strategies for avoiding reoffending.
There is also a Drug Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS-Drug) for drug driving offences. Both courses must be offered by the court at the time of sentencing, you cannot apply for one retrospectively.
From an insurance perspective, completing a rehabilitation course is a positive signal. While not all insurers offer a direct discount for course completion, it demonstrates willingness to address the behaviour that led to the conviction, which can be noted on your application.
What Other Insurance Do Convicted Drivers Need?
If you drive for work or own other vehicles, your conviction will affect those policies too. Here are the most common related types of cover.
Van insurance
If you drive a van for work, your conviction must be declared on your van insurance policy. Specialist convicted driver van insurance is available.
Taxi insurance
Taxi and private hire drivers with convictions face additional scrutiny from both insurers and licensing authorities. Some convictions can prevent you from holding a taxi licence altogether.
Temporary car insurance
Short-term cover for convicted drivers is available from one day to several months. Useful if you are borrowing a car or need cover while you arrange a full policy.
Impounded car insurance
If your car has been seized by police (often because you were caught driving without insurance or while disqualified), you will need impound release insurance before you can collect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the conviction type, how recently it happened, and your overall profile. Expect to pay 10–25% more for a speeding conviction and 100–200% more for drink driving. Comparing quotes from specialist insurers is the best way to get an accurate price.
Yes, once your disqualification period has ended and your licence has been restored (including any required medical assessments), you can apply for convicted driver insurance straight away.
No. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, once a conviction is spent you are not legally required to disclose it. Your policy cannot be invalidated for not declaring a spent conviction, even if the insurer asks.
Most endorsements stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. Drink and drug driving convictions stay for 11 years from the date of conviction. Points for dangerous driving offences vary between 4 and 11 years.
Black box insurance uses a telematics device to monitor your driving. It records speed, braking, cornering, and time of travel. If you drive safely, your premium reduces at renewal. It is one of the most effective ways for convicted drivers to prove they have improved their driving.
No. A conviction alone does not reset your no-claims discount. Only a fault claim reduces it. You can keep your full no-claims bonus even with a conviction on your licence, which helps offset the higher base premium.
Mainstream insurers can and do refuse to quote for drivers with serious convictions. However, specialist convicted driver insurers exist specifically for this market. Comparing through a specialist comparison service will find providers willing to cover you.
Yes. If you have an unspent conviction, you must declare it on any motor insurance policy, whether for a car, van, motorbike, or any other vehicle. Specialist convicted driver policies are available for most vehicle types.
Cars in the lowest insurance groups (groups 1–10) are the cheapest to insure regardless of your driving history. Small-engined cars like the Volkswagen Up, Fiat Panda, or Hyundai i10 typically sit in these groups.
You face a £300 fixed penalty and 6–8 penalty points (IN10). If the case goes to court, you could receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Your car can also be seized, and you will need impound insurance to get it released.
