Why Compare DR10 Car Insurance?
Insurers Price DR10 Very Differently
One insurer may increase your premium significantly after a drink-drive conviction, while another may apply a smaller increase for the same offence. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who are familiar with insurers that consider DR10 convictions and assess applications individually. Terms, eligibility and premiums vary between insurers.
Stop Getting Turned Away
Standard car insurance comparison sites may reject drink-drive codes outright. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who are experienced in accessing car insurance with DR10 convictions as part of their everyday work.
Save Hours Of Searching
Calling insurer after insurer while explaining your conviction can get exhausting. Clean Green Cars puts you in touch with specialist brokers who have access to panels of insurers that consider applications from drivers with a DR10 on their licence. Availability of cover depends on individual circumstances and insurer acceptance criteria.
Car Insurance With A DR10 Conviction At A Glance
- Specialist brokers may offer Comprehensive, TPFT, or TPO cover even with a DR10 on your licence.
- A Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course may reduce your ban by up to 25% and could help lower your insurance loading over time.
- Around 220,638 drivers across the UK currently hold drink-drive endorsements on their DVLA record (as at October 2025, DVLA).
- The median insurance cost for drivers with a drink-drive conviction is around £773, compared with £381 without one (as at 2024, GoCompare).
- Click the green button above to compare DR10 car insurance from specialist brokers.
What Is A DR10 Conviction?
DR10 is a statutory offence under Section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 - driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the prescribed limit. Here's how the law defines it:
- Who it applies to - Any driver who provides a breath, blood or urine specimen showing alcohol above the legal limit. DR10 covers actual driving or attempting to drive - being "in charge" of a vehicle while over the limit is a separate offence (DR40).
- What counts as over the limit - 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath, 80 milligrams per 100ml of blood, or 107 milligrams per 100ml of urine. Scotland uses lower limits (22 / 50 / 67). Police can require a specimen at any roadside stop, after an accident, or where an offence is suspected.
- Why the endorsement lasts so long - DR10 stays on your DVLA record for 11 years from the date of conviction, longer than most motoring endorsements. The offence carries a minimum 12-month driving disqualification (typically longer if there is a repeat offence within 10 years).
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Points | 3 to 11 on your licence |
| Driving Ban | Obligatory - minimum 12 months. Minimum 3 years for a second drink driving offence within 10 years. |
| Maximum Fine | Unlimited |
| Maximum Prison | Up to 6 months |
| Time on Licence | 11 years from date of conviction |
| Spent After | Depends on sentence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A fine is spent after 1 year. A community order is spent on the last day the order has effect. A prison sentence of up to 1 year is spent 1 year after the end of the sentence. Longer sentences take longer. |
| DDRC | May reduce your ban by up to 25%. Course cost up to £250. |
Sentences, fines, disqualification periods and insurance and other cost examples referred to on this page are based on current legislation, publicly available guidance and market observations at the time of writing. Actual penalties and premiums vary depending on individual circumstances, court decisions, insurer criteria and changes in law or underwriting practice. Drivers should check the latest guidance on GOV.UK or seek professional advice if they are unsure how the rules apply to them.
DR10Can You Get Insurance With A DR10?
In many cases, yes. A DR10 is a serious endorsement, but specialist brokers arrange cover for drink driving convictions regularly. Premiums may typically be higher than before and some mainstream insurers may decline to quote, though some may still offer cover.
- Points and ban - 3 to 11 penalty points and a minimum driving disqualification of at least 12 months. Longer bans apply if you have a previous drink or drug conviction within the last 10 years.
- Time on your record - The endorsement stays on your DVLA record for 11 years from the date of conviction. Most insurers ask about convictions in the last 5 years, though the window each insurer uses varies.
- When it's spent - Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, spent timing depends on sentence. A fine becomes spent 1 year from conviction, a community order on the last day the order has effect, and a custodial sentence takes longer. The 11-year endorsement period runs separately from the spent period.
- Disclosure still matters - Non-disclosure can invalidate your policy or lead to a claim being declined. Answer insurers' questions truthfully for as long as the endorsement shows on your licence and for as long as they ask about convictions.
- Treated as a serious conviction - DR10 is a drink driving offence under section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Specialist convicted driver brokers know which insurers consider DR10 convictions.
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who work with insurers that consider drivers with DR10 convictions, so you can compare quotes without calling around.
Who Needs DR10 Car Insurance?
A drink-drive conviction may affect people from every background. Here are the situations where comparing specialist DR10 quotes may typically help most.
Morning-After Driver
You drove the morning after a night out, thinking the alcohol had cleared. You were stopped and found to be over the limit. This is one of the most common DR10 scenarios. Specialist brokers see this situation regularly and are familiar with insurers that consider these applications.
First Offence With A Low Reading
Your reading was just above the legal limit. You received 3 to 4 points and a 12-month ban. You have no other convictions and a clean record otherwise. Specialist brokers may find you quotes closer to standard rates than you expect.
Repeat Offender Within 10 Years
A second drink-drive conviction within 10 years carries a minimum 36-month ban. Your insurance loading will be higher, but specialist brokers work with insurers who still quote on repeat offences.
Returning After A Long Ban
Your disqualification has ended and you need insurance before you can drive again. If you were classified as a High Risk Offender, you will also need to pass a DVLA medical. Specialist brokers can arrange cover while you rebuild your record.
Young Driver With A DR10
Drivers under 25 already typically pay more for car insurance. A DR10 on top of a young-driver loading makes standard insurers even less likely to quote. Specialist brokers access panels that assess younger convicted drivers individually.
Insight: Whatever your circumstances, a DR10 does not always have to mean years of overpaying. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who may be able to help drivers in these situations. Compare quotes above to see your options.
What DR10 Car Insurance Covers
A DR10 changes how much you pay and which insurers will quote you. It does not change the types of cover you can access.
Cover features depend on insurer terms, driver eligibility, and how the vehicle is used.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability | Designed to cover | Designed to cover | Designed to cover |
| Fire and theft protection | Designed to cover | Designed to cover | Not included |
| Accidental damage to your vehicle | Designed to cover | Not included | Not included |
| Personal injury cover | Often included | Sometimes included | Not included |
| Windscreen cover | Often included | Rarely included | Not included |
| Courtesy car | Sometimes included | Rarely included | Not included |
| Legal expenses | Often included | Sometimes included | Rarely included |
| Uninsured driver cover | Sometimes included | Rarely included | Not included |
Cover Tip: Getting back behind the wheel after a ban can feel daunting. Comprehensive cover may cost more, but it protects your own vehicle too. If your car is still worth something to you, it may be worth insuring fully. Review the table above to see what each level may include.
What DR10 Insurance May Not Cover
Missing or misunderstanding an exclusion could affect whether a claim is paid. Here are some common exclusions and limitations that may apply to many DR10 policies, although cover varies between insurers and policy terms.
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not answer your insurer's questions truthfully about your DR10, they may decline any claim and treat your policy as if it never existed.
- Driving Under the Influence - If you cause an incident while over the legal alcohol limit, your insurer may decline the claim even if your policy is otherwise active.
- Racing or Track Use - Motor policies are designed for normal road use. Driving on a track, at a rally, or in any competitive event may fall outside your cover.
- General Wear and Tear - Gradual deterioration like rust, worn tyres, or engine wear is not covered. Insurance is designed for sudden and unexpected events.
Important Limitations
- Higher Compulsory Excess - Your insurer may apply a higher compulsory excess following a DR10 conviction. This means the amount you would need to pay towards a claim before the insurer contributes could increase. Excess levels vary between insurers and policies, so check your policy schedule carefully before accepting cover.
- Named Driver Restrictions - Some policies may limit who else can drive your car after a drink-drive conviction. Your insurer may require all drivers to be named individually on the policy.
- Mileage Restrictions - Your policy may cap annual mileage. Exceeding the limit could affect whether a claim is paid in full. Confirm your estimate is accurate before you accept a quote.
Add-Ons Worth Considering
Your base policy covers the essentials. These extras fill gaps that may matter more after a drink-drive conviction. Note that policy limits may typically apply.
May be needed if your car breaks down and you need roadside assistance, recovery, or onward travel. Cover levels and response times depend on your policy terms.
May help cover your legal costs if you need to pursue or defend a claim after a non-fault accident, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May help prove safe driving habits after a DR10 by tracking your speed, braking, and journey times. Good scores may reduce your renewal price, depending on your insurer's terms.
May help cover the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged keys and locks, subject to individual claim limits set by your insurer.
May help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked or chipped windscreen without affecting your no-claims discount, depending on your policy terms.
May help keep your no-claims discount safe if you need to make a claim. After a DR10, protecting the discount you are building back up may be especially valuable, subject to insurer terms.
What Affects The Cost Of DR10 Car Insurance?
A DR10 is among the most heavily loaded convictions for insurance pricing. Drivers with a drink-drive conviction pay a median of £773 compared with £381 without one (as at 2024, GoCompare). The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Alcohol reading level | A higher breath, blood, or urine reading at the time of arrest may typically result in a larger premium loading. Readings above 87.5 mcg of breath (2.5 times the limit) may trigger High Risk Offender status. |
| Ban length | A longer disqualification may signal higher risk to insurers. A 12-month ban is priced differently from a 36-month repeat-offence ban. |
| Time since conviction | Your loading may typically drop each year. A five-year-old DR10 with a clean record since usually costs less to insure than a fresh one. |
| Other convictions | A DR10 on top of other motoring convictions may push your loading up sharply. A single DR10 alone is usually priced more favourably. |
| Vehicle type and value | Higher insurance group cars cost more to insure with or without a conviction. A lower-value vehicle in a lower group may help reduce your overall quote. |
| No-claims discount | Each claim-free year builds your discount. If your ban interrupted your driving, you may need to rebuild it from scratch. |
| Annual mileage | Fewer miles on the road means less exposure to risk. Reducing your declared mileage, if accurate, may help bring your premium down. |
| Cover level | Comprehensive car insurance costs more than Third Party Only, but gives you more protection. The right level depends on your vehicle value and circumstances. |
Price Insight: If you have a single DR10 and no other convictions, your loading may typically drop each year. Drivers with multiple convictions on top of a DR10 often face a steeper loading. Either way, comparing specialist quotes each year may be a useful way to check what you should be paying.
Ways To Help Cut Your DR10 Car Insurance Cost
A DR10 may push your premium up sharply, but there are practical steps that could help bring it back down. Here are seven ways that may help reduce what you pay.
Complete The DDRC If Offered
A Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course may reduce your ban by up to 25% and costs up to £250 (GOV.UK, 2025). Completing it may also demonstrate to insurers that you have taken steps to address the offence.
Use Telematics To Prove Safe Driving
A telematics policy tracks your driving habits after your DR10. Consistent safe driving scores may help reduce your premium at renewal, depending on your insurer's terms.
Build Your No-Claims Discount
Each claim-free year adds to your discount. If your ban reset your record, start rebuilding now. Some specialist brokers may offer no-claims protection as an add-on.
Compare At Every Renewal
Do not auto-renew. Insurers re-price DR10 risk each year, and the most cost-effective and appropriate quote may come from a different broker. Compare quotes above before your renewal date.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess Sensibly
A higher voluntary excess may reduce your annual premium. Make sure you can afford the total excess (compulsory plus voluntary) if you need to claim.
Reduce Your Annual Mileage
Fewer miles means less risk. If you can honestly declare a lower mileage, your premium may drop. Never understate your mileage as this could invalidate a claim.
Pay Annually If Possible
Monthly payments often include interest charges that add 10% to 20% to your total cost. Paying upfront in a single annual payment removes that extra charge.
Saving Tip: The first year after a DR10 is usually the most expensive. Each claim-free renewal after that may help bring your price closer to where it was before. Get quotes above to see where you stand today.
How To Compare DR10 Insurance Quotes
Finding DR10 cover does not need to be stressful. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who handle drink-drive convictions on a regular basis. Get started above.
Enter Your Vehicle Details
Start at the top of this page and add your registration, make, model, and where you park overnight.
Select Your Cover Level
Choose between Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Third Party Only based on your vehicle value and needs.
Declare Your DR10 Honestly
Enter the conviction code, date of offence, points received, and ban length. Answer your insurer's questions truthfully to keep your policy valid.
Compare Your Quotes
Specialist brokers review your details and send you quotes. Compare prices, cover levels, and excess amounts side by side.
Choose And Activate Your Policy
Pick the quote that fits your needs and budget. Your broker handles the rest so you can get back on the road.
What Our Expert Says
A DR10 sits heavy on your record. 27,208 people were convicted under Section 5(1)(a) in 2024 alone (Ministry of Justice). If you are one of them, you are not shut out of the market.
The biggest pricing factor is time. A recent DR10 may significantly increase your premium, but a five-year-old conviction with a clean record since looks very different to an underwriter. Completing a Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course, if offered, may signal that you have taken responsibility.
Specialist brokers deal with DR10 cases every day. They know which panels consider DR10 convictions.
Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common DR10 Car Insurance Questions
What Is A DR10 Conviction?
DR10 means driving or attempting to drive over the legal alcohol limit. It falls under Section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and normally carries a minimum driving disqualification.
How Long Does A DR10 Stay On Your Licence?
A DR10 stays on your driving licence for 11 years from the date of conviction. Many insurers ask about convictions for around 5 years, though this varies.
How Much Does A DR10 Affect Insurance?
Drivers with a DR10 may typically pay around double what a driver without convictions would pay. The exact increase depends on your age, vehicle, and driving history.
Can I Get Comprehensive Cover With A DR10?
Yes. Specialist brokers may arrange Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Third Party Only cover for drivers with a DR10 conviction.
What Is The Difference Between DR10 And DR20?
DR10 is for driving over the limit. DR20 is for driving while unfit through drink. DR10 requires exceeding a measured limit. DR20 requires proof of impairment.
Do I Need To Declare A DR10 After 5 Years?
Many insurers stop asking about convictions after 5 years, but this varies. Always answer your insurer's questions truthfully, whatever timeframe they ask about.
What Is A Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course?
A court-approved course that may reduce your driving ban by up to 25%. It costs up to £250 and may show insurers you have taken steps to address the offence.
What Happens If I Get A Second DR10?
A second drink driving conviction within 10 years carries a minimum 3-year ban. You may also be classed as a high risk offender by the DVLA.
Is A DR10 A Criminal Offence?
Yes. DR10 is a criminal motoring offence. Whether it appears on a DBS check depends on the check level and the filtering rules under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars is an FCA-regulated introducer. Your details go to specialist brokers experienced with DR10 convictions. They contact you with quotes and there is no obligation to buy.
Related Drink Driving Conviction Codes
DR10 sits within the wider drink driving conviction codes family. It is closest to DR20 unfit through drink, while DR40 in charge above the limit covers a related in-charge offence.
Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink
Compare DR20 quotesDriving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis
Compare DR30 quotesDriving or attempting to drive then refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken whilst the driver was incapacitated
Compare DR31 quotesIn charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit
Compare DR40 quotesIn charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink
Compare DR50 quotesFailure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive
Compare DR60 quotesRefusing to allow a specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory analysis when not driving
Compare DR61 quotesFailing to co-operate with a preliminary test
Compare DR70 quotesDriving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs
Compare DR80 quotesIn charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs
Compare DR90 quotesSearch & Compare Quotes From UK DR10 Drink Driver Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK - Drink Driving Penalties - How drink driving fines, bans, and points work in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK - Penalty Points and Endorsement Codes - The full list of endorsement codes including all DR codes.
- Sentencing Council - Excess Alcohol - Sentencing guidelines for driving with excess alcohol.
- GOV.UK - The Drink Drive Limit - Legal alcohol limits for breath, blood, and urine.
- GOV.UK - Reapply for Your Licence - How to get your licence back after a drink driving ban.
