Can I Get Car Insurance if I Have a Criminal Record?
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Yes, you can get car insurance even if you have a criminal record, but your options and premiums will depend on the type of conviction and how recent it is. Insurers are mainly concerned with unspent convictions, especially those related to motoring offences. If you have a driving-related conviction, such as drink driving, there are specialist options available like convicted driver insurance that can help you get cover and get back on the road.
Key points
Here’s what you need to know about car insurance after a criminal record:
- Most insurers ask about unspent convictions, especially motoring offences or fraud.
- Having a recent or serious conviction will likely increase your premium and limit your options.
- Specialist convicted driver insurance is designed for drivers with points, bans, or convictions like DR10 or IN10.
- Never withhold information; being honest protects you from invalidated cover or refused claims.
- As time passes and convictions become spent, your insurance options and premiums will usually improve.
Understanding these points can help you find cover and avoid unnecessary problems.
Do I Need to Tell Insurers About My Criminal Record?
When applying for car insurance, you must declare any unspent convictions when asked. This includes motoring offences like speeding, driving without insurance, drink or drug driving, and other offences such as fraud or theft. You do not need to declare spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, unless an insurer specifically asks if you have “ever” been convicted.
- Unspent convictions: Must be declared—failure to do so may void your insurance.
- Spent convictions: Usually do not need to be disclosed, but check the wording of each insurer’s question.
Most comparison sites and mainstream insurers ask about convictions in the past five years, but some specialist providers may ask for longer histories.
How Does a Criminal Record Affect My Car Insurance?
Insurers see drivers with unspent convictionsv – especially recent or serious ones, as higher risk. This usually means higher premiums, a larger excess, or needing to find a specialist provider. Mainstream insurers may decline cover for drivers with drink driving (DR10), driving while uninsured (IN10), or repeat speeding offences. That’s where convicted driver insurance comes in, offering policies designed for those with convictions.
- Motoring convictions have the biggest impact, especially in the first five years.
- Non-motoring convictions can affect your quote, particularly for offences like fraud.
- Each insurer treats different offences in its own way, so quotes and eligibility can vary.
If you have trouble finding cover, specialist brokers and comparison sites that focus on convicted drivers can be a valuable resource.
What Types of Car Insurance Are Available?
You can still get comprehensive, third party, or third party, fire and theft policies after a conviction, but your options may be more limited. Some mainstream providers will not insure drivers with certain recent convictions, but others specialise in helping people get back on the road after a ban or penalty points.
- Specialist convicted driver insurance: Tailored for those with driving bans, DR10 or IN10, or several penalty points.
- Mainstream cover: May be available after minor or older offences.
- Premiums: Will usually be higher, especially just after a conviction, but these costs can drop as your record improves.
Always check what’s covered, any exclusions, and the terms – especially if you’re coming off a ban or reapplying for your licence.
What Happens If I Don’t Disclose My Conviction?
If you fail to declare an unspent conviction, your policy can be cancelled, and any claim refused. This leaves you uninsured and could result in prosecution for driving without insurance. It is always safer to declare all relevant convictions, even if it means a higher quote.
- Check if your conviction is spent or unspent before applying, government advice is available online.
- If in doubt, speak to a specialist or use a convicted driver comparison service.
Being honest helps you avoid costly mistakes and protects your right to drive legally.
Can I Improve My Options Over Time?
Yes, as convictions become spent, you will have more choice and your premiums should fall. Keeping your record clean, building no-claims bonus, and showing safe driving habits all help. If you’re coming back after a ban or major conviction, you may need to start with a higher premium, but things do get easier with time and a good track record.
You can get car insurance after a criminal record, but you’ll need to declare all unspent convictions and may pay more, especially for recent or serious motoring offences. Specialist convicted driver insurance exists for those who need extra support. As your record improves and convictions become spent, your insurance choices and premiums should get better over time.
Compare Car Insurance With a Criminal Record
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