Why Compare Accident Offence Insurance?
Failing to Stop Is Treated Seriously
An AC code means you left the scene of an accident without stopping or reporting it. Insurers view this as a significant risk indicator. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who work with insurers that assess these cases individually.
The Circumstances Behind Your Code Matter
Whether you genuinely did not realise an accident occurred or made a poor decision under pressure, the context affects how insurers price your policy. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who understand these nuances and present your case fairly.
Comparing Could Mean a More Competitive Quote
AC codes can trigger heavy loadings from mainstream insurers. The gap between quotes may be significant. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who compare across panels to find more competitively priced cover.
Accident Offences At A Glance
- Specialist brokers experienced with AC codes - they know which insurers price accident offence convictions fairly.
- AC10 and AC20 carry 5 to 10 penalty points, while AC30 carries 4 to 9 points and stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of offence. See the full list of convicted driver insurance.
- Failing to stop is a criminal offence under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, carrying a fine of up to an unlimited amount (Level 5 fines became unlimited in March 2015).
- Your premium could improve as the conviction ages. Comparing through specialists at each renewal is important.
- Visit the convicted driver insurance hub if you have other endorsements alongside an AC code.
- One form, multiple specialist quotes. Click the green button above to get started.
Accident Offence Penalties
Accident offence codes apply when a driver fails to stop after or report an accident. The penalties reflect the seriousness of leaving the scene.
| Offence | Code | Points | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failing to stop after an accident | AC10 | 5-10 | Unlimited |
| Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours | AC20 | 5-10 | Unlimited |
| Undefined accident offence | AC30 | 4-9 | Unlimited |
Find Your Accident Offence Code
Each accident offence carries a specific code. Choose yours below for detailed insurance guidance.
What Our Expert Says
Accident offence convictions are less common than speeding or drink driving, but they can be just as challenging to insure. Insurers view failing to stop as a decision made under pressure rather than a momentary lapse, which affects how they assess your risk.
Some estimates suggest drivers may fail to stop in as many as one in five crashes, yet prosecution rates for these offences vary widely by police force area. If you have an AC code, the most important thing is to be upfront about the circumstances when your broker presents your case. Many AC convictions arise from genuine confusion about whether contact occurred, and specialist insurers understand this distinction.
Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common Accident Offence Insurance Questions
What Are Accident Offence Conviction Codes?
Accident offence codes (AC10, AC20, and AC30) are DVLA endorsements for failing to comply with Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. AC10 relates to failing to stop after an accident. AC20 relates to failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours. AC30 is an undefined accident offence used for cases that do not fit AC10 or AC20. AC10 and AC20 carry 5 to 10 penalty points, while AC30 carries 4 to 9 points and stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of offence.
How Long Does an AC10 Conviction or AC20 Conviction Stay on Your Licence?
Both AC10 and AC20 endorsements stay on your driving licence for 4 years from the date of offence. However, most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years. This means you may need to declare your accident offence conviction for up to a year after it disappears from your licence.
Can You Get Car Insurance With an Accident Offence Conviction?
Yes. An accident offence conviction does not prevent you from getting car insurance. Mainstream insurers may decline you or charge significantly more, but specialist brokers work with insurers who accept AC codes. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who handle accident offence convictions regularly. Cover is also available for vans and motorbikes.
How Much Does an Accident Offence Increase Insurance?
The increase varies depending on your code, the number of points awarded, and your wider driving history. AC10 and AC20 carry 5 to 10 points, while AC30 carries 4 to 9, and the exact number could make a significant difference to your quote. Comparing quotes from specialist brokers is the most reliable way to find out what your conviction could cost.
What Is the Difference Between AC10 Conviction and AC20 Conviction?
AC10 means you failed to stop at the scene of an accident. AC20 means you failed to give your details to the other party or report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must do both – stop at the scene and exchange details. If you cannot exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to a police station within 24 hours. Failing either duty is a separate offence.
Do You Have to Declare an Accident Offence to Your Insurer?
Yes. You must answer your insurer’s questions truthfully, which typically means declaring convictions for up to 5 years, which is typically up to 5 years from the offence date. Failing to declare it could invalidate your policy, meaning any claim you make may be declined. Always check your DVLA record to confirm your exact code and offence date before applying.
What Happens if You Fail to Stop After an Accident?
Failing to stop after an accident is a criminal offence under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If convicted, you receive an AC10 endorsement carrying 5 to 10 penalty points. You could also face a substantial fine (commonly described as up to £5,000), a discretionary driving ban, and in serious cases, up to 6 months in prison. The offence applies if injury was caused to any person, damage was done to another vehicle or property, or an animal was injured.
Can You Get Points for Not Reporting an Accident?
Yes. If you are involved in a qualifying accident and do not report it to the police within 24 hours, you could receive an AC20 endorsement. This carries 5 to 10 penalty points. The duty to report applies when you cannot exchange details at the scene, or when someone has been injured. Simply leaving a note on a windscreen may not count as giving particulars if the other party was not present.
What Is Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988?
Section 170 sets out the legal duties of a driver involved in a road traffic accident. If the accident causes injury to any person, damage to another vehicle, damage to property next to the road, or injury to certain animals, the driver must stop at the scene and give their name, address, and vehicle registration to anyone with reasonable grounds to request it. If that is not possible, the driver must report the accident at a police station within 24 hours.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who cover drivers with accident offence convictions. After you submit the form, brokers who handle your specific AC code come back with quotes. You can compare prices and choose the cover that suits you. There is no obligation to buy, and your details are handled in line with UK data protection rules.
How Accident Offences Affect Your Insurance
Accident offence convictions can have a significant impact on your insurance because insurers may view them as indicating a higher risk. The number of points on your licence and the specific AC code both affect how heavily your premium is loaded.
AC codes follow the same rehabilitation timeline as other motoring convictions. The impact on your premium could reduce each year, and after the conviction is spent, you may no longer need to declare it to insurers.
Telematics car insurance could help demonstrate safe driving after an accident offence conviction and may reduce your loading over time. If you need short-term cover, temporary car insurance for convicted drivers is available. If your vehicle was seized, impound release cover could help you collect it. See the full list of convicted driver insurance for reference.
Search & compare quotes from UK Accident Offences Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Penalty Points and Endorsements – How the penalty points system works, including endorsement codes and expiry dates.
- GOV.UK – View Your Driving Licence – Check your licence online to see your current points and convictions.
- GOV.UK – Vehicle Insurance – Official guidance on car insurance requirements in the UK.
- Legislation.gov.uk – Section 170 RTA 1988 – The full text of the duty to stop and report after an accident.
