Why Compare DG40 Car Insurance?
DG40 Is Less Serious Than DG10, but Insurers Still Load It
Being in charge of a vehicle while over the drug limit carries 10 penalty points. Although there is no mandatory driving ban, many insurers still treat it as high risk. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who know the difference between DG40 and DG10 and could find you a fairer price.
Many Mainstream Insurers May Decline a DG40
Drug-related endorsements of any kind can trigger an automatic decline from standard insurers. Clean Green Cars puts you in touch with brokers who have access to panels that accept DG40 convictions.
Your Loading Could Fall Each Year
A DG40 stays on your licence for 4 years. As time passes, your risk profile improves. Comparing quotes at each renewal through Clean Green Cars connects you with brokers who factor in how long ago your conviction was.
DG40 Car Insurance At A Glance
- DG40 means you were in charge of a vehicle while a specified drug was above the legal limit in your blood.
- The conviction carries 10 penalty points and stays on your licence for 4 years (GOV.UK).
- A driving ban is discretionary, not mandatory. Courts may impose a ban or points alone.
- DG40 is less serious than DG10 because you were not driving at the time of the offence.
- Click the green button above to compare DG40 quotes from convicted driver insurance specialists.
What Is a DG40 Conviction?
DG40 is the DVLA endorsement code for being in charge of a vehicle while a specified controlled drug is above the legal limit in your blood. Unlike DG10, you do not need to have been driving. The offence falls under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
“In charge” typically means you had access to the vehicle and could have driven it. You might have been sitting in the car, standing beside it with the keys, or sleeping in the driver’s seat. Courts consider the circumstances to decide whether you were likely to drive.
A DG40 carries 10 penalty points. A driving ban is discretionary. The court may choose to impose a ban or let the points stand alone. This makes DG40 less severe than DG10, which carries a mandatory 12-month ban.
| Penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Points | 10 |
| Driving Ban | Discretionary (not mandatory) |
| Maximum Fine | Unlimited |
| Maximum Prison | 3 months |
| On Your Licence | 4 years from date of offence |
| Rehabilitation Period | At least 5 years from the conviction date for adults (longer if the overall sentence has a longer rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) |
Illegal Drugs – Specified Limits
The following limits apply to illegal substances. They are set at very low levels, effectively operating as zero tolerance (as at March 2015).
| Drug | Blood Limit |
|---|---|
| Amphetamine | 250 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite) | 50 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Cocaine | 10 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) | 2 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Ketamine | 20 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) | 1 microgram per litre of blood |
| Methylamphetamine | 10 micrograms per litre of blood |
| MDMA (ecstasy) | 10 micrograms per litre of blood |
| 6-monoacetylmorphine (heroin metabolite) | 5 micrograms per litre of blood |
Prescription Drugs – Specified Limits
Higher thresholds apply to these prescription medicines to allow for legitimate medical use. You may still face prosecution if your blood level exceeds the limit, even with a valid prescription (as at March 2015).
| Drug | Blood Limit |
|---|---|
| Clonazepam | 50 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Diazepam | 550 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Flunitrazepam | 300 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Lorazepam | 100 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Methadone | 500 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Morphine | 80 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Oxazepam | 300 micrograms per litre of blood |
| Temazepam | 1,000 micrograms per litre of blood |
DG40Can You Get Insurance With a DG40 Conviction?
Yes, and your options may be slightly wider than with a DG10. A DG40 stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence, compared to 11 years for DG10. The shorter endorsement period means your premium loading could clear sooner.
If the court did not impose a driving ban, you may find more insurers willing to quote. However, many mainstream providers still decline any drug-related endorsement. Specialist brokers work with panels that accept DG40 convictions and understand the distinction between being in charge and driving.
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who handle drug driving cases regularly. They know which providers treat DG40 more leniently than DG10 and could help you find a more competitive quote.
If you need short-term cover while comparing annual policies, temporary car insurance for convicted drivers could provide flexible cover without long-term commitment.
Who Needs DG40 Car Insurance?
A DG40 can still make insurance difficult to find. Here is who typically benefits most from comparing through specialist brokers.
Drivers Convicted of Being In Charge
You were not driving but still received a DG40. The frustration of being convicted for being near your vehicle, not operating it, is real. Specialist brokers understand the distinction and could help find providers who treat it less severely than a DG10.
Drivers With 10 Points From DG40
Ten points from a single offence puts you dangerously close to the totting-up threshold. Any other endorsement could trigger a mandatory ban. Specialist brokers could still find you cover from panels that accept drivers on the edge of 12 points.
Drivers Who Received a Discretionary Ban
If the court imposed a ban alongside your DG40, your insurance options may be more limited than for drivers who kept their licence. Specialist brokers handle recently disqualified drivers regularly and know which providers will quote.
Renewal Shoppers
Your current insurer may not reflect how your DG40 loading has changed since last year. Each year the conviction ages, your options could improve. Comparing at renewal is the most reliable way to check.
Drivers With Other Drug-Related Endorsements
A DG40 alongside a DG10 or drink driving conviction can make mainstream insurance feel out of reach. Specialist brokers know which panels accept multiple substance-related endorsements and could still find you cover.
Worth Knowing: Being convicted for being near your car, not driving it, can feel deeply unjust. Specialist brokers understand the difference between DG40 and DG10 and could find you providers who price that distinction fairly. Use the form at the top of this page to reach them.
What DG40 Car Insurance Covers
A DG40 endorsement does not change what your policy is designed to cover. It changes how much you pay and which providers will quote you.
Here is what each level of cover could include. Please note that policy features, benefits, terms and conditions vary among insurance providers, so always check the policy wording.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your own vehicle | Yes | No | No |
| Fire and theft protection | Yes | Yes | No |
| Damage to other people's property | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Injury to other people | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windscreen cover | Often included | Rarely | No |
| Courtesy car | Sometimes included | Rarely | No |
Cover Tip: Comprehensive cover could sometimes cost less than third party only, even with a DG40. It is worth comparing all three levels rather than assuming the lowest tier is most affordable.
What DG40 Car Insurance May Not Cover
Even though DG40 is less serious than a driving offence, insurers still take drug-related endorsements seriously. Here is what your policy usually does not cover.
Standard Exclusions
- Undeclared Convictions - If you do not tell your insurer about your DG40, they could invalidate your policy and decline all claims.
- Driving While Impaired - If you cause an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your insurer could decline your claim.
- Driving During a Ban - If the court imposed a ban and you drive before it ends, any policy would be invalid.
- Undeclared Vehicle Use - If your policy covers social use but you are driving for business, your insurer may decline a claim.
Important Limitations
- Higher Compulsory Excess - Your insurer may set a higher excess after a DG40. Check your policy schedule before accepting a quote.
- Named Driver Restrictions - Some policies may limit who can drive your car or restrict you from being named on other policies.
- Telematics Conditions - Some insurers may require a black box as a condition of cover after any drug-related conviction.
- Annual Mileage Caps - Some specialist policies may impose mileage limits as a condition of cover.
Extras Worth Adding
Your standard policy is designed to cover the basics. These extras fill gaps that could matter more after a drug-related conviction.
May help cover roadside assistance if your car breaks down away from home, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May help cover your legal costs if you need to dispute fault after an accident. Particularly relevant if you already have an endorsement on your licence, depending on your policy terms.
May help cover the cost of replacing your keys if they are lost or stolen, subject to policy limits and conditions.
May be needed if you have built up no claims years. Not every insurer offers this to drivers with drug-related convictions, so check availability, subject to insurer acceptance criteria.
May pay a set amount if you are hurt in a crash and cannot work, depending on your policy terms.
May be needed if you want to demonstrate safe driving habits. A black box tracks your driving patterns and could help reduce your premium at renewal, subject to policy limits and conditions.
What Affects the Cost of Car Insurance with a DG40 Conviction?
Your quote depends on how recently you were convicted, whether a ban was imposed, and whether you have any other endorsements. If you drive a van, see convicted driver van insurance. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Your DG40 conviction | Drug-related endorsements are loaded more heavily than most motoring convictions. However, DG40 may be treated less severely than DG10 because you were not driving. |
| Whether a ban was imposed | If the court imposed a driving ban, insurers may treat your conviction more seriously. Points-only outcomes could result in a lower loading. |
| Time since conviction | A DG40 stays on your licence for 4 years. Your loading could reduce at each renewal as the conviction ages. |
| Other endorsements on your licence | A DG40 combined with other motoring convictions could push your price up. Multiple endorsements may signal a pattern to insurers. |
| No claims discount | A long no claims history could help offset some of your DG40 loading. Protecting your discount may be worth considering. |
| Your vehicle (group, age, value) | Higher insurance group cars cost more to insure. Choosing a lower group car could help reduce your overall price. |
| Annual mileage | Lower mileage usually means lower risk. If you drive less than the average, make sure your estimate is accurate. |
| Cover level | Comprehensive cover could cost less than third party only for some convicted drivers. Always compare all three levels. |
Price Insight: DG40 is generally loaded less heavily than DG10 because you were not driving. Your premium could reduce each year. Comparing at every renewal is the best way to make sure you are not overpaying.
Ways to Cut Your Car Insurance Cost
A DG40 could push your premium up, but it is less heavily loaded than DG10 because you were not driving. Here are practical steps to help reduce what you pay.
Compare at Every Renewal
Your DG40 loading could reduce each year. Do not auto-renew. Get quotes above to check whether you could pay less.
Highlight That You Were Not Driving
DG40 means you were in charge, not driving. Some specialist brokers can present this distinction to providers who weigh it in your favour. Make sure your broker understands the circumstances.
Consider a Telematics Policy
A black box tracks your driving patterns. After any drug-related conviction, real evidence of safe driving could help reduce your loading at renewal.
Choose a Lower Insurance Group Car
A lower group vehicle costs less to insure. Checking the group before you buy a car could make a meaningful difference to your conviction-loaded premium.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
A higher excess could cut your premium. Only set it at a level you could genuinely afford if you needed to claim.
Pay Annually If You Can
Monthly payments include interest charges. Paying upfront could reduce what you pay overall, especially on a loaded premium.
Park Off the Street
A driveway or garage is lower risk than on-street parking. Make sure your insurer knows about your parking arrangements.
Saving Tip: The "in charge" distinction matters to specialist brokers even if it does not feel like it matters to mainstream insurers. Compare quotes above to reach brokers who understand what DG40 actually means.
How to Compare DG40 Car Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes after a DG40 takes just a few minutes. Here is how it works. Get started above when you are ready.
Enter Your Vehicle Details
Add your registration, make, model, and where you park overnight.
Add Your Personal Details
Enter your name, address, date of birth, and occupation.
Declare Your DG40
Select the DG40 conviction code, enter the date of offence, and confirm whether a driving ban was imposed. Declare any other endorsements too.
Complete Your Driving Record
Choose your cover level, add your no claims discount, and confirm any previous claims.
Review Your Quotes
Specialist brokers send you quotes based on your details. Compare prices and cover levels, then pick the one that fits.
What Our Expert Says
A DG40 conviction is often misunderstood, and that misunderstanding starts with the people closest to you. Being "in charge" of a vehicle while over the drug limit does not mean you were driving. You may have been sitting in a parked car, sleeping in the back seat, or simply holding the keys. The law treats access to the vehicle as enough.
That distinction matters, but it does not always feel like it when you are searching for insurance. The conviction carries 10 penalty points and stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. A driving ban is discretionary, not mandatory. Some drivers receive points only.
Specialist brokers draw a clear line between "in charge" and "driving" offences. They know which insurers weigh that distinction in your favour. That knowledge could make a meaningful difference to what you pay.
Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common DG40 Car Insurance Questions
What Is the Difference Between DG40 and DG10?
DG10 is for driving over the drug limit. DG40 is for being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit. DG40 is generally treated less severely because you were not driving.
How Long Does a DG40 Stay on My Driving Licence?
A DG40 stays on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence. You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully, which usually means declaring the conviction whenever they ask about motoring convictions during that period.
Can I Get Car Insurance With a DG40?
Yes. Specialist brokers work with panels that accept drug-related convictions. Clean Green Cars introduces you to these brokers.
Do I Get a Driving Ban for a DG40?
A ban is discretionary, not mandatory. The court may impose one or let the 10 points stand alone.
How Many Penalty Points Does a DG40 Carry?
10 points. If you have other endorsements, this could push you past the 12-point totting-up threshold.
Is a DG40 a Criminal Conviction?
Yes. Being in charge of a vehicle while over the drug limit is a criminal offence under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
When Does a DG40 Become a Spent Conviction?
For most adults, a DG40 conviction with an endorsement will usually become a spent conviction 5 years from the date of conviction under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, unless the overall sentence (for example a very long disqualification or custodial sentence) has a longer rehabilitation period. Once it is spent you generally do not need to declare it to employers, but you must still answer your insurer’s questions truthfully for as long as they ask about motoring convictions.
What Does In Charge of a Vehicle Mean?
Being in charge means you had access to the vehicle and could have driven it. This could include sitting in the car with the keys, sleeping in the vehicle, or standing nearby with the keys in your pocket.
Will a DG40 Affect My Car Insurance Premium?
Yes, though typically less than a DG10. Your loading could reduce each year as the conviction ages. Comparing at renewal is essential.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars is an FCA-regulated introducer. Your details go to specialist brokers who handle drug driving convictions. They contact you with quotes and there is no obligation to buy.
Related Drug Driving Conviction Codes
DG40 is one of several drug driving endorsement codes used on UK driving licences. Visit the drug driving insurance hub for the full list of DG and DR codes. For the most serious drug driving code, see DG60 car insurance.
Search & compare quotes from UK DG40 Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK - Drug Driving Law - The legal limits for prescribed and illegal drugs when driving in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK - Penalty Points - Find out when your points expire and how the totting-up system works.
- DVLA - Check Your Licence - View your current points and convictions online.
- GOV.UK - Drink and Drug Driving Penalties - How courts decide your sentence for drug driving offences.
