Let’s face it – getting a conviction on your driving record is nobody’s idea of a good time. It’s like getting an unwanted tattoo that you can’t remove. Whether it’s a speeding ticket, driving without insurance, or something more serious like drink driving, a conviction can affect more than just your legal status; it can also have a huge impact on your car insurance rates.
But don’t panic. Having a conviction doesn’t mean you’re doomed to sky-high premiums or being completely shut out of the market. In fact, understanding how convictions affect your car insurance is key to making the best decisions for both your budget and your driving future. Let’s get into the details, without the jargon and the clichés, and give you a clear, honest breakdown.
How Do Driving Convictions Affect Car Insurance?
In the simplest terms, car insurers see convictions as an indicator of higher risk. If you’ve been caught speeding, driving under the influence, or committing any other driving-related offence, insurers will assume you are more likely to make a claim, which can lead to higher premiums. But don’t worry – it’s not the end of the road.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what your insurer might look at:
| Conviction Type | Impact on Insurance | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | Increased risk; usually raises premiums slightly. | Points on your license. |
| Drink or Drug Driving | Significant rise in premiums or refusal to insure. | High fines, license ban. |
| Driving Without Insurance | Could make it extremely difficult to get insurance, and very expensive. | Fines, potential ban. |
| Dangerous Driving | High premium increases and possible refusal of coverage. | License suspension. |
Let’s look deeper into some common convictions and how they impact your car insurance.
Common Driving Convictions and Their Impact
1. Speeding
Let’s be honest – we’ve all been a little heavy on the gas pedal at times. But speeding is one of the most common offences, and it’s one that insurers know all too well. Getting caught speeding will typically result in points on your license and a slight increase in your insurance premium.
- Impact: Expect your premium to increase by around 10-20% for minor speeding offences. If you accumulate more points or get caught speeding in particularly dangerous zones, this could climb.
- Duration: Speeding offences usually stay on your record for 4-11 years, depending on the severity.
2. Drink or Drug Driving
This is one of the most serious offences, and unfortunately, it’s a major red flag for insurers. A conviction for drink or drug driving can lead to a significant increase in premiums, or in some cases, insurers may refuse to cover you altogether.
- Impact: Insurers may charge a premium that’s up to 100% higher. You’ll also have to declare your conviction for 5-10 years, which can complicate finding affordable coverage.
- Duration: This conviction stays on your driving record for 11 years in the UK.
3. Driving Without Insurance
This is a serious offence that can result in heavy fines, penalty points, and even a driving ban. Not only does driving without insurance have legal consequences, but it also makes you a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurers.
- Impact: Finding an insurer who will cover you after a conviction for driving without insurance can be tough. If you do find one, expect a steep rise in premiums.
- Duration: The conviction can stay on your record for up to 5 years.
4. Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving includes behaviours like excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, or driving while distracted. This type of conviction usually leads to severe penalties, including a possible driving ban.
- Impact: The cost of insuring you will skyrocket. You might find that insurers are unwilling to provide coverage at all, or you’ll be placed in a higher-risk category with premium increases of 50% or more.
- Duration: Dangerous driving convictions stay on your record for up to 11 years.
How to Find Car Insurance with a Conviction
So, you’ve got a conviction and you’re wondering how you’ll ever get affordable car insurance again. Don’t despair – it’s not impossible. Here’s how to improve your chances of getting coverage:
1. Use Specialist Insurers
Some insurers specialise in offering policies to high-risk drivers, including those with convictions. These providers tend to have more flexibility and might offer lower rates than mainstream providers.
2. Be Honest
It might be tempting to leave out the details about your conviction when applying for car insurance, but honesty is always the best policy. If you fail to disclose your conviction and your insurer finds out, they could void your policy, leaving you uninsured in the event of an accident.
3. Shop Around
Different insurance providers handle convictions differently, so it pays to shop around. Compare quotes from various insurers who offer coverage to drivers with convictions. You might be able to find a provider who specialises in high-risk drivers at a competitive rate.
4. Improve Your Driving Record
If you’re looking to bring your premium down over time, consider taking a defensive driving course or looking into ways to remove points from your licence (where applicable). The better your driving record, the lower your risk – and ultimately, your premium.
5. Consider Increasing Your Excess
Raising your voluntary excess (the amount you pay in the event of a claim) can help lower your premium. If you have the financial means to pay a higher excess, this can make your policy more affordable.
How Much Will Car Insurance Cost With a Conviction?
While it’s difficult to provide a precise number without knowing your exact circumstances, here’s a rough idea of how a conviction might affect your premium:
| Conviction Type | Average Premium Increase |
|---|---|
| Speeding | +10% to +20% |
| Drink/Drug Driving | +50% to +100% |
| Driving Without Insurance | Can be up to +150% or more, or the inability to find coverage. |
| Dangerous Driving | +50% to +100% or refusal to insure. |
Final Thoughts: Is Car Insurance with Convictions Possible?
The short answer is yes – you can get car insurance with a conviction. It may be more expensive and harder to find, but it’s not an impossible task. By understanding how your conviction affects your insurance, being honest with your insurer, and shopping around for the best deal, you can find coverage that works for you.
In the end, the key is to take responsibility, learn from your past mistakes, and take steps to lower your risk moving forward. Car insurance with a conviction may not be the easiest route, but with patience and research, it’s definitely achievable. Safe driving, everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance with Convictions
1. Will my insurance be more expensive if I have a driving conviction?
Yes, car insurance premiums are generally higher for drivers with convictions. Insurers see drivers with convictions as higher risk, which leads them to charge more. The increase depends on the type and severity of the conviction.
2. How long will a conviction stay on my driving record?
Most driving convictions stay on your record for 4-11 years, depending on the offence. For example, a speeding conviction might stay for 4 years, while a serious conviction like drink driving can remain for up to 11 years.
3. Can I get insurance after a drink-driving conviction?
Yes, you can get car insurance after a drink-driving conviction, but it will likely be more expensive. Insurers might charge up to 100% more, and you may need to disclose your conviction for up to 11 years.
4. Do I have to declare my conviction when getting car insurance?
Yes, you must declare any driving convictions when applying for car insurance. Failing to do so could result in your policy being invalidated, leaving you without coverage if you need to make a claim.
5. Can I get cheap car insurance with a conviction?
While it may be harder to find cheap car insurance with a conviction, it’s not impossible. Shop around, use specialist insurers who cater to high-risk drivers, and consider increasing your excess to lower your premium.
6. What type of convictions affect car insurance premiums the most?
Convictions related to dangerous driving, drink or drug driving, and driving without insurance tend to have the biggest impact on your premiums. These offences are seen as serious and are considered high risk.
7. How can I reduce my car insurance costs after a conviction?
You can reduce your car insurance premiums by:
- Shopping around for quotes.
- Using specialist insurers that cater to high-risk drivers.
- Taking a driving course to improve your record.
- Increasing your excess to reduce the premium.
- Driving safely to prevent accumulating further points.
8. Can my conviction prevent me from getting insurance?
In some cases, yes. Particularly serious convictions, such as multiple drink-driving offences or dangerous driving, might lead insurers to refuse to cover you. However, you can still find insurance with the right specialist provider.
9. Will my insurance be affected if I accumulate multiple minor offences?
Yes, accumulating several minor offences like speeding can add up and increase your premium, even though each individual conviction might not have a massive impact. Multiple offences might also make it harder to find affordable insurance.
10. How do I find insurance after a conviction?
You can find insurance after a conviction by:
- Looking for specialist providers who deal with high-risk drivers.
- Comparing quotes from multiple insurers.
- Being upfront about your conviction to avoid future complications.
