What is Motor Trade Insurance with Convictions?
Motor trade insurance with convictions is specialist cover for traders – such as car dealers, mechanics, or vehicle delivery drivers – who have unspent motoring or criminal convictions. If you’ve been refused by mainstream insurers because of penalty points, driving bans, or serious offences like DR10 or IN10, these policies are designed for you. Learn more about conviction codes in our convicted driver insurance hub.
Specialist providers assess your current business, not just your past, and help you stay legal whether you’re selling, repairing, or moving vehicles. You’ll get the core protection you need, from road risks cover to liability and extras.
What the experts say…
“Many traders worry that motoring or criminal convictions—especially serious codes like DR10 or IN10—will make insurance impossible or unaffordable. But today’s specialist insurers look beyond your record and focus on how you manage risk and run your business. The key is honesty: declare all unspent convictions and work with a broker experienced in conviction cases. Most convictions are spent after 5 years, but some last longer, so check before you apply. Shop around and compare policies—there are more options than you think. With the right approach, you can get cover, stay legal, and move forward with confidence.”
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
What’s Covered by Motor Trade Insurance for Convicted Traders?
With convictions on your record, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re protected for. A conviction-friendly motor trade policy can be tailored to your business—covering everything from driving customer vehicles to looking after your premises and your staff.
- Road risks cover – Lets you drive your own vehicles and those in your care (with or without trade plates), even if you have convictions. You can choose from third party only (TPO), third party, fire and theft (TPFT), or comprehensive cover.
- Third party, fire & theft or comprehensive – Pick the right level of protection for your needs, from the legal minimum to full cover for accidental damage, fire, and theft.
- Public liability – Covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities.
- Employers’ liability – A legal must if you employ staff, protecting you against claims from employees injured while working for you.
- Basic premises cover – Protection for your garage, office, or storage unit against fire, flood, theft, or vandalism.
Core cover keeps you road legal and safeguards your business—so you can focus on what you do best, no matter your record.
Add-Ons for Extra Peace of Mind
Not all motor trade businesses are alike—so why should your policy be? Customise your insurance with these helpful add-ons, and cover exactly what matters to you.
Protect your vital workshop gear against theft, loss, or accidental damage with specialist cover designed for motor traders.
Insure cars and spare parts in your care, on-site or in storage, as part of a tailored motor trade insurance policy.
Get help with legal bills if you face business disputes or need to defend a claim, with options explained in our legal cover guide.
Add roadside help for your trade or customer vehicles to keep your business moving if you’re let down on the road.
Claim compensation if you can’t trade due to fire, flood, or other insured disasters affecting your premises.
Protect vehicles or stock while they’re being moved between sites or delivered to customers as part of your trade.
Choose flexible insurance designed for traders who don’t work year-round or only operate part-time.
Pick the extras that match your day-to-day risks. That way, you’ll never pay for more than you need.
What’s Not Covered? – Important Exclusions
No policy covers everything, and conviction-friendly insurance is no different. Make sure you know the boundaries—so you’re never caught out by the small print.
- Undeclared convictions – If you don’t declare unspent criminal or motoring convictions (including those of employees or named drivers), your policy could be cancelled or a claim rejected.
- Fraud or dishonesty – Claims may be denied if loss or damage arises from fraudulent acts or deliberate misrepresentation when you applied or renewed your policy.
- Driving without a valid licence or while disqualified – Any accident or loss occurring while you or a driver are disqualified, banned, or don’t hold the correct licence isn’t covered.
- Use outside agreed business activities – Claims aren’t covered if you use vehicles for purposes not declared on your policy, such as private hire, racing, or delivery work unless stated.
- Non-disclosure of material facts – Not telling your insurer about changes to your circumstances (including new convictions) can invalidate your cover.
- Unlisted drivers – Only named and accepted drivers are covered—others, especially those with convictions, will not be insured if not declared and approved.
Tip: If you or any driver have previous convictions, always declare them upfront—even if they seem minor. Non-disclosure is one of the main reasons claims get rejected or cover is cancelled for traders with a record. If you’re unsure what to declare, ask your chosen provider or use a broker who specialises in traders with convictions.
Who Needs Motor Trade Insurance with Convictions?
You’ll need this specialist cover if you work in the trade and have any past motoring or criminal offences—no matter how minor. Even if other insurers have turned you away, conviction-friendly policies can help you get back to business.
- Traders with motoring convictions – Such as DR10, IN10, speeding points, or driving bans.
- Employers with convicted drivers – If your staff have records, you’ll need to declare them too.
- Traders with unspent criminal convictions – Specialist cover looks at your current risk, not just your history.
- Part-time or seasonal traders with convictions – Flexible for those who only trade occasionally.
- Anyone refused by standard insurers – There are still options, even if you’ve been declined elsewhere.
Related Insurance
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How Insurers Help Traders Move Forward After Convictions
Got convictions on your record? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Plenty of insurers now look at your business as it is today, not just your past. Here’s how they help you get back on track:
- Open conversations – Being upfront makes it easier for insurers to find a policy that actually fits you.
- Friendly support – Specialist teams are used to helping traders in similar situations, so you get guidance without judgement.
- Tailored policies – Your cover is based on your business now, not just what’s on your record. See why insurance prices vary.
When you’re honest about your circumstances, you’ll get more realistic quotes and fewer surprises down the road.
Conviction-Friendly Insurance – How Your Policy Gets Personal
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. Conviction-friendly providers take the time to look at your situation and offer a policy that works for you.
- Careful review – Every conviction code and its details are considered, so nothing gets overlooked.
- Fair judgement – Providers look at what you’re doing right now to keep risks low, not just past mistakes.
- Personalised quotes – Your policy is based on what your business really needs.
Being upfront means you’ll get cover that’s truly tailored—and often more affordable than you might think.
Getting a Quote – Steps for Convicted Traders
Ready to get covered? It’s not as hard as you think. Here’s how to find the best policy for your situation:
How Much Does Motor Trade Insurance with Convictions Cost?
Your price depends on your convictions, your business type, and what you need to cover. But a fair deal is possible—especially if you’re honest and shop around.
- Type and recency of conviction – Serious or recent offences push up costs most.
- Business size and turnover – More staff or higher value vehicles can increase premiums.
- Driving records – Clean records for all drivers help keep costs down.
- Level of cover – The more extras you add, the higher your premium.
- Security – Good key management and secure premises help you save.
- Payment method – Annual payments are often cheaper than monthly instalments.
Compare quotes and check what’s included. For more tips, see our main motor trade insurance page.
Ways to Save on Motor Trade Insurance with Convictions
You can cut costs without cutting corners. Try these practical tips to reduce your premium—even if you’ve had a ban or conviction.
Small changes can make a big impact on your next renewal.
FAQs – Motor Trade Insurance with Convictions
Can I get motor trade insurance if I only trade part-time and have a conviction?
Yes, you can. There are flexible policies for part-time and seasonal motor traders—even with motoring or criminal convictions. Read our part-time traders guide.
Does motor trade insurance cover all conviction codes (like DR10 or IN10)?
Most specialist providers can cover a range of convictions, including DR10 and IN10, but you must declare all unspent offences for a valid policy. If you need help with a specific code, check our DR10 insurance guide.
Will a criminal conviction mean my motor trade insurance is declined?
Not always. Many conviction-friendly insurers look at your current risk and business practices, not just your record. You’ll usually pay more, but cover is available.
Does motor trade insurance with convictions include public liability?
Most comprehensive motor trade policies include public liability cover as standard. Make sure to check with your provider.
Can I add other drivers with convictions to my motor trade policy?
Yes, but you’ll need to declare all drivers and their records to the insurer. Honest disclosure is essential for a valid claim.
How long do I need to declare convictions on my motor trade insurance?
The time you’ll need to declare motoring convictions depends on the offence. For most minor driving offences, you only need to declare them for five years. After that, they’re considered “spent” and you usually don’t need to mention them when getting insurance
Some more serious convictions – like drink driving (DR10) or driving without insurance (IN10), must be declared for 11 years. Always check if your conviction is still unspent before you apply, as it can affect your cover or your motor trade insurance quote.
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Useful External Links for Conviction and Insurance Rules
Want to double-check the rules about convictions, spent periods, and what you need to declare? These official resources will keep you informed and up to date.
How long endorsements stay on your licence – Official government guidance on when driving convictions become “spent” and when you no longer need to declare them:
GOV.UK guide
Motoring convictions and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act – Advice on spent convictions, offence codes, and your rights as a driver:
Unlock resource
