Where can I buy car insurance as a convicted driver?

If you’ve been convicted of a driving offence – or any other offence for that matter – you might find it tricky to get car insurance. Or at least, affordable car insurance.
 
But why is this? Well, if you’re a convicted driver, car insurance providers see you as a greater risk to insure. They think that you’ll be more likely to be involved in an accident and make a claim compared to someone with a clean driving licence.
 
Obviously, claims cost insurers to resolve. So, insurance companies balance out this risk by charging higher premiums to drivers with convictions.
 
Of course, that’s not to say you won’t ever be able to get a decent deal on car insurance ever again – you just need to look in the right place! Insurance Factory, for instance, can arrange competitive convicted driver insurance packed with benefits. It understands that the past is the past, and has spent the past two decades helping convicted drivers get back behind the wheel – without burning a hole in their back pocket.
 

Types of convictions

As with any type of conviction, driving offences range in severity. This means that each offence will have different implications for your driving record and convicted driver insurance costs.
 
As the GOV.UK website explains, each so-called endorsement has a unique code and is given ‘penalty points’ on a scale from 1 to 11. The more serious the offence, the more points you’ll get on your licence, while some offences could lead to a driving ban.
 
Offence codes and penalty points can remain on your licence anywhere from four to eleven years. Again, more serious offences will see these points remain for a longer period of time.
 
There are many driving offences. Here’s a table of ten common ones and their associated codes, points and years spent on a driver’s licence.
 
 
Offence Code Penalty points How many years on your licence
Driving without due care and attention CD10 3 to 9 4
Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road SP30 3 to 6 4
Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks IN10 6 to 8 4
Breach of requirements as to control of vehicle, such as using a mobile phone CU80 3 to 6 4
Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit DR10 3 to 11 11
Failing to comply with traffic light signals TS10 3 4
Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight MS70 3 4
Failing to stop after an accident AC10 5 to 10 4
Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit DG10 3 to 11 11
Exceeding speed limit on a motorway SP50 3 to 6 4
 
 
You can be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points during a three-year period.
 
However, if you’re a new driver, you could have your licence revoked if you collect just six points within two years of passing your test. If you’re landed with a driving ban, then you’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence. You’ll need to pass both the theory and practical parts of the driving test again before you can get back on the road as a qualified driver.
 

Speeding offences

As Which? explains, if you commit a speeding offence, then you might be offered the chance to undergo a speed awareness course, rather than receiving points on your licence. These are typically offered to drivers who are only fractionally over the speed limit.
 
You’ll have to pay to take the course, which usually lasts four to five hours, and you can’t take more than one over a three-year period. If you get caught again within three years of taking the speed awareness course, then you’ll receive penalty points on your licence.
 

How can drivers get cheap convicted drivers insurance?

Insurance companies base premiums on a whole host of factors. Unfortunately, you can’t make a driving conviction disappear, but there are other things you can do to keep car insurance costs as low as possible. These include:
 
  • Raising your voluntary excess. If you do this, make sure you can still afford to pay it in the event of a claim.
  • Improving the security of your car with manufacturer-approved safety features.
  • Limiting your annual mileage.
  • Paying for your insurance in one go as opposed to spreading payments over the year, which will generate interest.
  • Parking your car in your garage or on your driveway overnight. 
  • If you’re yet to buy your car, opting for one in a low insurance class.
  • Avoiding making modifications that affect your car’s performance or handling – even its aesthetics. The only modifications that will lower insurance costs are security-related ones (and even then, you’ll need to run them past your insurer).
 

Where can I buy car insurance as a convicted driver?

For drivers who have been convicted of motoring offences, and banned from driving, getting back on the road can be a long and painful process.
 
However, Insurance Factory understands that the past is the past, and is dedicated to helping drivers with convictions get back on the road – without paying through the roof for the privilege. We can arrange policies for drivers who would have otherwise been denied cover by other insurance companies.
 
Every driver is different, which is why Insurance Factory will consider your individual circumstances when arranging cover. The company has over 20 years of experience arranging insurance for convicted drivers, giving you peace of mind that you’re in good hands.
 
The convictions Insurance Factory considers include:
 
  • IN10 – Convicted of driving without insurance
  • DR10 – Convicted of driving or attempting to drive with a blood alcohol level exceeding allowable limits
  • SP50 – Convicted of exceeding the speed limit on a motorway
  • DD10 – Convicted of driving in a dangerous manner
  • DD20 – Convicted of driving at a dangerous speed
  • DD30 – Convicted of reckless driving
  • Non-motoring convictions
 
Affordable premiums needn’t be a thing of the past! Get insured for an affordable price with Insurance Factory. Get a quote today!