A driving conviction, penalty points or a previous disqualification can affect the insurers willing to offer cover and the price they quote. There is no fixed price increase that applies to everyone. The outcome depends on your circumstances, the offence and each provider’s rules.
Commercial introduction: Our insurance comparison links connect you with Quotezone, operated by Seopa Limited. MoneyNerd Limited, which operates Thrifty Family, may receive a fee or commission. The service compares participating providers, not the whole market. It does not guarantee acceptance, a quote or a saving. Thrifty Family does not recommend a particular policy. Read Quotezone’s service terms before continuing.
What must you tell an insurer?
For personal insurance, answer the questions accurately and disclose unspent convictions when asked. Read the policy conditions too. If you receive a conviction during the policy, check whether its terms require you to notify the insurer immediately or at renewal. Keep a record of what you disclose and ask for written confirmation.
Spent convictions generally do not need to be disclosed for ordinary insurance, even if a question asks about them. However, do not assume that every conviction becomes spent after the same period. The rules depend on the sentence, your age and the relevant UK jurisdiction. The time a motoring endorsement remains on a driving record is not necessarily the same as its rehabilitation period.
If you are unsure, check your position before completing an application. MoneyHelper’s guide to insurance and criminal convictions explains the distinction and links to specialist support. Misrepresenting information can lead to a policy being cancelled or a claim being reduced or refused.
Compare suitable policies
A conviction does not mean every insurer will reach the same decision. You can compare providers and ask a specialist insurance broker about options if standard searches do not meet your needs. Ask what their search covers and whether they charge a fee.
- Compare the same level of cover, use and drivers. Check whether the policy meets any conditions attached to your licence and covers the journeys you plan to make.
- Look at the total excess, cover limits and exclusions. A policy with the lowest premium could leave you with a larger contribution to a claim.
- Compare the annual premium with the total payable by instalments, including interest and charges. Consider cancellation fees and the cost of optional extras.
Before you drive
An insurance quote does not restore a revoked licence or end a disqualification. Make sure you have a valid licence for the vehicle, any required reinstatement or test has been completed, and the insurance is in force before driving.
If a renewal becomes unaffordable, contact the insurer to discuss support. Do not drive without valid insurance. The guides below provide general information, rather than an assessment of your individual eligibility.
