Can You Still Get Decent Car Insurance With a Driving Conviction?
Absolutely, but it's not always straightforward. A driving conviction, whether it's for speeding, driving without insurance, or something more serious, can feel like a permanent black mark when it comes to car insurance. Some insurers don't even give you the chance to explain, they just hike up the premium or decline to quote altogether.
But that doesn't mean you're stuck. There *are* insurers who look beyond the points on your licence and offer cover based on where you are now - not just what's in your past.
"It starts like this..."
You've made a mistake. Maybe you were caught speeding, or had a lapse in judgement after a few drinks. You faced the consequences, served your time, paid the fine. Now you're trying to move on, rebuild, get back behind the wheel; and suddenly, the road's blocked again. Insurers quoting you thousands? Others not even quoting at all?
It's frustrating. Even unfair, at times. But the truth is, with the right approach, you *can* find a way back onto the road - without paying the price of a small used car every year.
Which Insurers Offer Cover to Convicted Drivers?
Whilst some mainstream insurers shy away from high-risk drivers, several providers and specialist brokers have made a name for themselves by helping people with convictions get covered. These include:
- Adrian Flux: One of the most well-known names for convicted driver policies, especially for those with multiple offences or disqualifications.
- Quote Detective: Works with a wide range of underwriters and is known for covering drivers who've struggled elsewhere.
- Grove & Dean: Offers policies tailored to drivers with motoring convictions, from DR10s to TT99s.
- MyPolicy: A telematics-based insurer that can help convicted drivers rebuild trust by tracking real-world driving behaviour.
- InsureDaily: Offers short-term and temporary cover options - ideal if you only need a few days' cover or want to bridge a gap.
In some cases, these providers will even take into account how long it's been since your conviction and whether you've completed a rehabilitation or awareness course.
What Affects the Price of Insurance After a Conviction?
Not all convictions are treated the same. Some will have a bigger impact on your insurance than others, especially if they involve risk to others or repeat offences. Insurers will usually consider:
- The type of conviction: Drink-driving (DR10), no insurance (IN10), or dangerous driving (DD40) carry different levels of risk.
- How recent the conviction was: The older the conviction, the more likely an insurer will go easier on your pricing.
- Number of convictions or points: One offence might be manageable, multiple can push you into specialist territory.
- Your age, location, and vehicle: A young driver with a recent DR10 in a sporty car? That's going to sting more than a mature driver with an old SP30.
But don't assume all hope's lost. Even a recent conviction doesn't mean you're uninsurable - it just means you probably need to look in the right places.
How Can You Cut the Cost of Convicted Driver Insurance?
There are a few tricks that could help you bring the price down, even if your record isn't spotless:
- Downsize your car: Choose a smaller, lower-insurance group vehicle to keep your premium lower.
- Consider a black box: Telematics policies allow you to prove you're a safe driver now, and many insurers reward that.
- Add an experienced named driver: A parent, partner, or older relative with a clean history can help stabilise the risk rating.
- Limit your mileage: If you're not driving much, make that clear - fewer miles can mean lower risk.
- Pay annually: Monthly payments often include hidden interest or admin fees.
Also, be upfront about your conviction. It's tempting to leave it out; but insurers will find out, and that could lead to your policy being cancelled or invalidated if you probably need to claim.
It's About Moving Forward; Not Getting Stuck in the Past
A driving conviction might change how you get insured; but it doesn't stop you from driving altogether. Whether it's one mistake or a few, what matters now is how you move on from it.
With the right provider and a bit of research, you can still get on the road legally, confidently, and without draining your savings every year. It's about being smart, open, and willing to shop around.
Ready to Find Cover That Works for You?
Whether your conviction is recent or several years old, there's cover out there that makes sense for your situation. Some insurers will judge you by your past; others will look at how you're driving *now*.
Compare quotes today, explore your options, and take the next step towards affordable cover and a clean slate behind the wheel.