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. This guide explains disclosure only. If you need a separate annual policy after a DG10 endorsement, the DG10 car insurance page explains how to request quotes through specialist brokers.
What If The DG10 Happened During Your Current Policy?
Start with your policy terms. MoneyHelper says: "If you get a conviction during a policy, you don’t have to declare it until you renew the insurance. This is unless your policy specifically says that you must." Its car insurance guide also lists getting "points added to your licence" as something to tell your insurer about.
So if your terms say to tell the insurer, do it now rather than waiting. If the wording isn't clear, ask the insurer. MoneyHelper also says to "Always get written confirmation of any convictions you’ve disclosed."
If The DG10 Comes With A Ban
A ban changes the question. GOV.UK says a drug driving conviction can bring "a minimum 1 year driving ban", and having a policy doesn't change that. Before you drive again, GOV.UK says: "If you’re disqualified for 56 days or more you must apply for a new licence before driving again."
If someone else drives the car while you're banned, check the policy covers them first. And if your insurer won't renew, start comparing before the renewal date so there's no gap in cover.
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.
