Start With The Insurer's Question
You may need to tell your car insurer about a DG10 if its question still covers the conviction. You don't need to disclose it once it is spent.
A DG10 endorsement can stay on your driving record after the conviction becomes spent. Check both timelines and the exact wording before you answer.
Why A DG10 Can Have Two Different Timelines
One timeline is your driving record. GOV.UK endorsement code guidance lists DG10 as driving or attempting to drive with a drug level above the specified limit. GOV.UK says the endorsement stays on the record for 11 years from the conviction date.
The other timeline is whether the conviction is spent. "Spent" means the legal rehabilitation period for the sentence has ended. It depends on the sentence, not only the offence code. GOV.UK's spent-conviction guidance says you don't need to disclose spent convictions to an insurance company.
For example, a DG10 may still appear on your driving record after the conviction becomes spent. An insurer asking about unspent convictions is asking something different from one asking about endorsements on your record.
Susan's note: Check the question against the correct timeline. A set period, an unspent conviction and an endorsement still on your record are different checks.
What To Check Before You Answer
Different questions need different checks. Use the wording in front of you rather than applying one rule to every quote.
| If the insurer asks about... | What to check before you answer |
|---|---|
| Motoring convictions in a set period | Check whether the conviction date still falls inside that period. |
| Unspent convictions | Check whether the legal rehabilitation period for your sentence has ended. |
| Penalty points or endorsements still on the record | Check your current driving record and whether the DG10 endorsement still appears there. |
| Changes during the current policy | Check whether your policy terms require an update before renewal. |
What Details To Prepare Before You Compare
If you are unsure what appears on your licence, use the GOV.UK driving-licence service before starting a quote. You can check endorsements, points and disqualifications.
Have these details ready:
- The conviction code, such as DG10.
- The conviction date.
- The offence date, if the form asks for it.
- The penalty points and any disqualification length.
- Any linked motoring convictions from the same incident.
- Your current driving-record position if you have checked it.
Consistent answers across quote journeys can reduce avoidable discrepancies later. Once your facts are ready, the DG10 insurance page provides a route to compare like-for-like quotes through specialist convicted-driver brokers.
What If The DG10 Happened During Your Current Policy?
If a DG10 happens during an existing policy, check the contract wording. Some policies may require a mid-term update, while others may deal with the conviction at renewal.
MoneyHelper explains this distinction. Don't assume either route applies without checking your contract. For more detail, read what happens to your car insurance if you get a DG10 during your current policy.
FAQs
Do you have to declare a DG10 for a car insurance quote?
If the insurer asks about convictions in a period that still includes your DG10, you should answer that question accurately.
How long do insurers ask about a DG10?
There is no single period used by every insurer. Check the wording and dates in the question before you answer.
Does a DG10 stay on your driving record for 11 years?
Yes. GOV.UK says drug-driving endorsements can stay on the driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction.
Do you need to tell an insurer about a spent DG10 conviction?
No. GOV.UK says you don't need to disclose spent convictions to an insurance company. Whether your DG10 is spent depends on the sentence.
What details might an insurer ask for about a DG10?
An insurer may ask for the code, conviction date, points, ban length and details of related motoring convictions.
What if a DG10 happens during your current policy?
Check your policy wording. Some contracts may require a mid-term update, while others may deal with the conviction at renewal.
