Convicted drivers can face the prospect of paying for their offences in more ways than one. They may initially face a fine upon conviction, which in turn increases the cost of their insurance premium. Convicted drivers are considered to be higher risk by insurers, as the chances that they might make a claim is greater. Insurance operates essentially on the concept of calculated risk, so to offset the likelihood of insurers having to payout more, they raise the cost of their convicted driver insurance premiums. The convictions that an insurer takes into consideration are both driving and non-driving offences. These non-driving offences may be completely unrelated to driving vehicles, but some insurers will still consider these individuals to be higher risk and increase the premium price, or possibly refuse them car insurance with convictions products altogether.
Some examples of motoring offences
Speeding – This tops the list for motoring offences in the UK, with penalty points of between 3-6 being given and maximum fine of £2,500. Almost 84% of motoring offences are for exceeding the speed limit.
Drink driving – Around 3000 drink driving related accidents happen every year in the UK alone, and around 9,050 of these result in death or injury involving drivers who are over the limit.
Driving whilst distracted – Driving whilst talking on a phone could result in you facing three penalty points on your license and a fine of up to £1,000.
Driving without insurance – Around 300,000 people are caught every year without an insurance cover, and are given penalty points of between 6-8, and potential fine of up to £5,000. Driving without adequate insurance (or no insurance at all) is considered a very serious offence.
Drug driving – Driving while under the influence of drugs is a serious offense, even the smallest amount of drugs in your system can lead to points, a ban and a criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are driving convictions?
A driving conviction is a criminal offence that results in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) being given to you. Punishment from a driving conviction might be points being placed on your licence, a monetary fine, or potentially even imprisonment. These punishments will vary depending on the seriousness of the conviction. Almost 2.4 million drivers are convicted for committing a motoring offence every year. Getting a good deal on car insurance with convictions can be hard work and it is illegal to drive without the adequate insurance cover.
How is my insurance affected if I don’t disclose my convictions?
Never make the mistake of deliberately withholding your convictions (motoring or non-motoring) from your insurance provider. Your insurance could be deemed invalid and you would have no cover in the event of a claim. This in turn may make it even harder for you to find insurance in the future, as non disclosure of convictions will be recorded on your insurers database. Disclosing any convictions fully and honestly will help you get back on track with your insurance profile. Having the correct car insurance with convictions cover is vital in the event of an accident.
How is car insurance affected by convictions?
Convictions can increase your premiums significantly whether its a small motoring conviction or something more serious.
Drink-driving, or driving under the influence of drugs is a very serious offence and in the case of a claim, your car insurance with convictions voluntary excess costs could be higher. This offence will stay on your license for three to five years, and with more serious offences potentially up to 11 years.
Insurance for banned drivers – You can be banned for a number of offences such as Drink driving, Drug Driving, Driving without insurance and many more. If you accrue 12 or more penalty points in the space of three years, you could be banned from driving as well. Insurance for banned drivers will result in higher premium costs.
How do young drivers obtain convicted driver insurance?
Statistics show that young drivers are more likely to be convicted than older drivers. Therefore even the most minor conviction of a young driver, it will consequently make it more difficult for them to get convicted driver insurance in the future. Companies such as Try Compare exist to help young drivers find convicted driver insurance at a reasonable price, by comparing quotes from a range of trusted providers.
How can Try Compare help me get insured with convictions?
Whatever your convictions are, and however serious they may be, Try Compare can help you find quotes for your car insurance with convictions, or insurance for banned drivers. We have the right expertise on-hand to provide you with your cover and save you time, money and energy. We understand the impact driving convictions can have on individuals and we work with some of the leading insurance providers in the UK to offer rehabilitated drivers cheaper rates on their insurance. If you want to find cheaper quotes for convicted driver insurance, or insurance for banned drivers, fill in our form and our experts will help you go through your details and locate the best deal for you. Get Your FREE Quote Today: www.trycompare.co.uk.
You can view all convictions in the table below.
Motoring convictions such as these above can make it harder for you to find car insurance with convictions. If your motoring offences are serious enough to earn you a driving ban, then insurance for banned drivers can prove even more expensive.
Accident Offences
Offence Code
Description
Licence Points
AC10
Failing to stop and/or give particulars after an accident
5 to 10
AC20
Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours
5 to 10
AC30
Undefined accident offences
4 to 9
Careless Driving
Offence Code
Description
Licence Points
CD10
Driving without due care and attention / driving without paying attention due to lack of care and attention
3 to 9
CD20
Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users
3 to 9
CD30
Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration
3 to 9
CD40
Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drink / drinking and driving
3 to 11
CD50
Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs
3 to 11
CD60
Causing death by careless driving with an alcohol level above the limit
3 to 11
CD70
Causing death by careless driving and failing to supply a specimen
3 to 11
Construction and use offences
Offence Code
Description
Licence Points
CU10
Driving a vehicle with defective brakes
3
CU20
Driving a vehicle with parts or accessories in dangerous condition
3
CU30
Driving a vehicle with defective tyres (tyre with cuts, bulges or under legal tread depth limit)
3
CU40
Driving a vehicle with defective steering mechanism
3
CU50
Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers
3
CU60
An undefined failure to comply with construction and use regulations
3
CU80
A breach of requirements as to control the vehicle, such as a using a mobile phone/ being distracted. Could also relate to driving without due care and attention
3 to 6
Disqualified Driver
Offence Code
Description
License Points
BA10
Driving while disqualified by order of a court of law
6
BA20
Driving while disqualified as under aged to do so
6
BA30
An attempt to drive whilst disqualified by order of a court of law
6
Drinking
Offence Code
Description
License Points
DR10
Driving or an attempt to drive with alcohol above the legal limit
3 to 11
DR20
Driving or an attempt to drive while unfit through drinking alcohol
3 to 11
DR30
Driving or an attempt to drive and refusing to supply a specimen (e.g., breath sample)
3 to 11
DR40
In charge of a vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit
10
DR50
In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drinking alcohol or drugs
10
DR60
Failure to provide a specimen for analysis (e.g., breath sample) other than driving
10
DR70
Failure to provide a specimen for a breath test
3
DR80
Driving or an attempt to drive when unfit through drugs
3 to 11
DR90
In charge of a vehicle when unfit through the use of drugs
10
Drugs
Offence Code
Description
Licence Points
DG10
Driving or an attempt to drive with a drug level above the specified limit
3 to 11
DG60
Cause of death by careless driving with a drug level above the legal limit
3 to 11
DG80
Driving or an attempt to drive when unfit through the use of drugs
3 to 11
Insurance offences
Offence Code
Description
License Points
IN10
The use of a vehicle that does not have at least third party insurance to protect against risks
6 to 8
Licence offences
Offence Code
Description
License Points
LC10
Driving a vehicle without a valid licence
3 to 6
LC20
Driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence
3 to 6
LC30
Driving a vehicle after making a false declaration about fitness to drive
3 to 6
LC40
Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability
3 to 6
LC50
Driving a vehicle after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds
3 to 6
Miscellaneous offences
Offence Code
Description
License Points
MS10
Leaving/parking a vehicle in a dangerous position
3
MS20
Unlawful pillion riding
3
MS30
Play street offences
2
MS50
Motor racing on the public highway
3 to 11
MS60
Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle)
3
MS70
Driving a vehicle with uncorrected defective eyesight
3
MS80
A refusal to submit to an eyesight test
3
MS90
A failure to comply to give information as to the identity of the driver, etc.
6
Motorway offences
Offence Code
Description
License Points
MW10
Violation of special roads regulations
3
Pedestrian crossing
Offence Code
Description
License Points
PC10
Undefined violation of the pedestrian crossing regulation
3
PC20
Violation of the pedestrian crossing regulations – a moving vehicles
3
PC30
Violation of the pedestrian crossing regulations – a stationary vehicles
3
Learner Driver/Provisional Licence
Offence Code
Description
PL10
Driving without red Learner (L)-plates
PL20
Not being accompanied by a qualified person (e.g., driving instructor)
PL30
Carrying a person that is not qualified to teach
PL40
Drawing an unauthorised trailer
PL50
Undefined failure to comply with conditions of a learners provisional licence
Reckless/Dangerous Driving
Offence Code
Description
License Points
DD10
Driving a vehicle in a dangerous manner
3 to 11
DD40
Driving a vehicle dangerously
3 to 11
DD60
Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle
3 to 11
DD80
Causing death by dangerous driving
3 to 11
DD90
Furious driving/road rage
3 to 9
Speeding offences
Offence Code
Description
License Points
SP10
Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
3 to 6
SP20
Exceeding the speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)
3 to 6
SP30
Exceeding the statutory (permitted) speed limit on a public road
3 to 6
SP40
Exceeding the passenger vehicle speed limit
3 to 6
SP50
Exceeding the speed limit of a motorway
3 to 6
SP60
Undefined speed limit offence
3 to 6
Vehicle theft/taking
Offence Code
Description
License Points
UT10
Taking and driving a vehicle away without consent or attempt thereof
3 to 11
UT20
Stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle
3 to 11
UT30
Going equipped for stealing or taking a vehicle
3 to 11
UT40
Taking, driving or being carried in a vehicle without consent
3 to 11
UT50
Aggravated taking of a vehicle
3 to 11
Traffic direction and signs
Offence Code
Description
License Points
TS10
A failure to comply with traffic light signals (e.g., going through a red light)
3
TS20
A failure to comply with double white lines
3
TS30
A failure to comply with ‘stop’ signage
3
TS40
A failure to comply with the direction of a constable or warden
3
TS50
A failure to comply with a traffic sign
3
TS60
A failure to comply with a school crossing patrol sign
3
TS70
An undefined failure to comply with a traffic signage or direction
3
Special code
Offence Code
Description
TT99
A disqualification under ‘totting-up’ of points procedure
