Why Compare DR20 Car Insurance?
Insurers Judge DR20 Very Differently
One insurer may load your premium heavily while another adds far less for the same impairment conviction. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who know which insurers treat DR20 cases fairly.
Stop Getting Turned Away
Standard comparison sites often reject drink-drive codes outright. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who accept DR20 convictions as part of their everyday work.
Save Hours of Searching
Explaining an impairment-based conviction over the phone gets tiring fast. Clean Green Cars puts you in touch with brokers who already have panels of insurers that cover drivers with DR20 on their licence.
Car Insurance With a DR20 Conviction At A Glance
- A DR20 carries 3-11 points and an obligatory 12-month ban, but specialist brokers regularly place impairment-based drink-drive cases.
- Your DR20 stays on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction, though most insurers only ask about the last 5.
- Around 220,638 drivers across the UK currently hold drink-drive endorsements on their DVLA record (as at October 2025, DVLA).
- Start comparing DR20 quotes from specialist brokers using the form above.
What Is a DR20 Conviction?
A DR20 is the DVLA code for driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink. Unlike a DR10, no measured alcohol level is needed for conviction.
A DR20 stays on your licence for 11 years and must be declared to your insurer for as long as they ask about it.
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Points | 3 to 11 |
| Driving Ban | Obligatory minimum 12 months (3 years for second offence within 10 years) |
| Maximum Fine | Unlimited (plus up to 6 months prison) |
| Time on Licence | 11 years from date of conviction |
| Spent After | 1 year from fine date, or 12 months from end of custodial sentence (up to 1 year). Licence endorsement remains for 11 years. |
DR20Can You Get Insurance With a DR20?
Yes, though a DR20 for driving while unfit through drink is treated as seriously as a DR10 by most insurers, and some mainstream providers may add a significant loading or decline to quote altogether.
A DR20 carries 3 to 11 penalty points and an obligatory ban of at least 12 months. A fine resulting from a DR20 is usually spent after one year under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A prison sentence of up to 6 months becomes spent 12 months after the end of the sentence (post-October 2023 rules). However, the conviction stays on your licence for 11 years, and you must declare it to your insurer for as long as they ask about it.
Some insurers ask about unspent convictions only, while others may ask about convictions over a longer period. Always read the question carefully before answering. Completing a Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course, if offered by the court, may help reduce your disqualification period by up to 25%.
Specialist brokers who work with convicted drivers every day know which insurers accept DR20 impairment convictions. Clean Green Cars introduces you to these brokers, so you may compare quotes from specialists experienced with drink-drive offences.
Who Needs DR20 Car Insurance?
A DR20 conviction affects people who may not even realise they were impaired. Here are the situations where comparing specialist DR20 quotes may typically help most.
Felt Fine but Police Judged Impaired
You believed you were sober enough to drive, but officers observed signs of impairment at the scene. This is one of the most common DR20 scenarios. You may not have been over the legal limit, but observed impairment was enough for conviction. Specialist brokers see these cases regularly.
Morning-After Driver
You drove the morning after drinking, thinking the alcohol had cleared. You were stopped and officers judged your ability to drive was impaired. Residual alcohol affects people differently, and a DR20 can result even when you genuinely felt fine. Specialist brokers know which insurers price morning-after cases fairly.
Medication Interaction
You had a small amount of alcohol that interacted with medication, amplifying its effects. The combination left you visibly impaired even though you might not have been over the limit on alcohol alone. Specialist brokers understand these circumstances and know which panels consider them.
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.
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.
Insight: An impairment conviction can feel harder to explain than a simple breath test failure. Specialist brokers handle DR20 cases regularly and know how to present your circumstances to insurers. Compare quotes above to see your options.
What DR20 Car Insurance Covers
A DR20 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: A DR20 is based on observed impairment, not a measured alcohol reading. Some insurers treat it identically to a DR10, while others may view the lack of a specific reading differently. Ask your broker which insurers on their panel distinguish between the two codes.
What DR20 Insurance May Not Cover
A single missed exclusion could mean your whole claim gets turned down. Here are the exclusions and limitations that apply to most DR20 policies.
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not answer your insurer's questions truthfully about your DR20, they may decline any claim and treat your policy as if it never existed.
- Driving Under the Influence - If you cause an incident while impaired by alcohol, your insurer may decline the claim even if your policy is otherwise active.
- Driving While Disqualified - If you drive during a ban linked to your DR20, your insurer will not cover any incident that occurs.
- General Wear and Tear - Gradual deterioration like rust, worn tyres, or engine wear is not covered. Insurance is designed for sudden and unexpected events.
- Higher Compulsory Excess - Your insurer may set a higher compulsory excess because of your DR20 conviction. Check your policy schedule to see the amount before you need to claim.
- Named Driver Restrictions - Some policies may limit who else can drive your car after a drink-drive impairment conviction. Your insurer may require all drivers to be named individually.
Add-Ons Worth Considering
Your base policy covers the essentials. These extras fill gaps that may matter more after a drink-drive impairment conviction.
May cover roadside assistance, recovery, or onward travel if your car breaks down. 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 demonstrate safe driving habits after a DR20 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 DR20, protecting the discount you are rebuilding may be especially valuable, subject to insurer terms.
What Affects the Cost of DR20 Car Insurance?
A DR20 is treated as seriously as a DR10 by most insurers, even though no specific alcohol reading is involved. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Level of observed impairment | Courts record the severity of impairment in sentencing remarks. A higher level of observed impairment may typically result in a heavier loading from insurers, even without a numerical reading. |
| 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 DR20 with a clean record since usually costs less to insure than a fresh one. |
| Other convictions | A DR20 on top of other motoring convictions may push your loading up sharply. A single DR20 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: Because DR20 does not involve a measured reading, insurers cannot gauge exactly how impaired you were. Some may price it more cautiously than a low-reading DR10. Comparing quotes each year is the fastest way to find which insurers are pricing your case fairly as time passes.
Ways to Cut Your DR20 Car Insurance Cost
A DR20 may push your premium up sharply, but there are practical steps that may bring it back down. Here are seven ways to 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 pounds (GOV.UK, 2025). Completing it may also demonstrate to insurers that you have taken steps to address the offence.
Use Telematics to Rebuild Trust
A telematics policy tracks your driving habits after your DR20. Because impairment convictions lack a numerical reading, consistent safe driving data may carry extra weight at renewal.
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 DR20 risk each year, and the best 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 may invalidate a claim.
Pay Annually If Possible
Monthly payments often include interest charges that add around 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 DR20 is usually the most expensive. Each claim-free renewal after that may help bring your price closer to standard rates. Get quotes above to see where you stand today.
How to Compare DR20 Insurance Quotes
Finding DR20 cover does not need to be stressful. Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who handle drink-drive impairment convictions regularly. 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 DR20 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
DR20 is less common than DR10 because it relies on police observation rather than a breath test reading. Courts can convict under Section 4(1) when your ability to drive is clearly impaired by alcohol, even if your reading is below the legal limit or no specimen was obtained.
For insurers, the absence of a reading does not make this any less serious. If anything, some underwriters treat an impairment conviction with extra caution because they cannot see exactly where you fell on the scale. Time and a clean record are what matters most. A fresh DR20 may double your premium, but a five-year-old conviction with no further incidents looks very different to an underwriter.
Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common DR20 Car Insurance Questions
What Is the Difference Between DR20 and DR10?
DR10 requires proof that your alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. DR20 is based on observed impairment, meaning the court must show your ability to drive was affected by alcohol, regardless of your actual reading. Both carry the same maximum penalties.
How Long Does a DR20 Stay on Your Licence?
A DR20 stays on your driving licence for 11 years from the date of conviction. Most insurers ask about convictions for up to 5 years from the date of the offence, so you may need to declare it even after the points expire.
Can You Be Convicted of DR20 if You Were Under the Limit?
Yes. A DR20 conviction does not require your alcohol level to be above the legal limit. If the court is satisfied that your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, you may be convicted under Section 4(1) regardless of your reading.
Is a DR20 a Criminal Conviction?
Yes. A DR20 is a criminal motoring offence under Section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Whether it appears on a DBS check depends on the check level and ROA filtering rules.
How Many Points Does a DR20 Carry?
A DR20 carries 3 to 11 penalty points. The exact number depends on the severity of impairment and the circumstances of the offence. The magistrate decides the number at sentencing.
Can I Get Comprehensive Cover With a DR20?
Yes. Many specialist brokers can arrange Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Third Party Only cover for drivers with a DR20. Standard insurers are less likely to quote, which is why comparing through a specialist may help.
Do I Have To Declare a DR20 To My Insurer?
You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully about your DR20. Most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years. If you do not declare it when asked, your insurer may treat your policy as if it never existed.
Can a Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course Help With DR20?
Yes. If the court offers a Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course and you complete it, your ban may be reduced by up to 25%. It does not remove the conviction or points, but it may help with your insurance loading over time.
What Evidence Do Police Use for a DR20?
Police may use field impairment tests, observations of your driving, your behaviour at the scene, and medical evidence. Slurred speech, inability to perform coordination tests, and erratic driving are common factors cited in court.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
After you submit your details, Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who cover drivers with DR20 convictions. They review your information and send you quotes. You are not committed to anything by submitting the form.
Related Conviction Codes
DR20 is one of several drink-drive conviction codes. If you have a different code on your licence, the pages below may help you find suitable cover.
Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit
Compare DR10 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 DR20 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 - Check how many points you have and when they expire.
- GOV.UK - View Your Driving Licence - Check your licence online to see your current points and convictions.
- GOV.UK - The Drink Drive Limit - Legal alcohol limits for driving in England, Wales, and Scotland.
- Sentencing Council - Drink Driving - Sentencing guidelines for drink-drive offences.
