What is Convicted Driver Insurance and Where Can You Get It?
In a Nutshell: Convicted driver insurance is a specialist policy for drivers who have been convicted of motoring offences — from speeding and penalty points to drink driving and dangerous driving. Because standard insurers will either decline cover or charge extremely high premiums, convicted driver insurance is typically provided by specialist brokers who access a panel of high-risk insurers. While expensive, it is the legal route back to the road.
Who Needs Convicted Driver Insurance?
You may need convicted driver insurance if you have:
| Conviction Type | Typical Insurer Reaction |
|---|---|
| Speeding (3–6 points) | Most standard insurers will quote, but with a premium increase of 20–50% |
| SP30 conviction (speeding on public road) | Similar to standard speeding — usually acceptable |
| 6–9 penalty points | Some standard insurers decline, others load the premium heavily |
| Drink driving (DR10) | Most standard insurers decline; specialist cover required |
| Dangerous driving (DR30) | Specialist cover required; very few options |
| Driving ban (any length) | Specialist cover required upon ban expiry |
| Causing death by dangerous driving | Extremely limited options; very high premiums |
| Several minor convictions (e.g., 12+ points) | Specialist cover almost always required |
How Much Does Convicted Driver Insurance Cost in 2026?
Convicted driver insurance is significantly more expensive than standard cover. Here are typical annual premiums:
| Conviction | Premium Range | Deposit Required | Comparison to Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN10 (driving without insurance) | £1,800–£4,000 | 30–40% | 3–5x higher |
| DR10 (drink driving) | £2,500–£6,000 | 30–40% | 4–8x higher |
| DR30 (dangerous driving) | £3,000–£8,000 | 30–40% | 5–10x higher |
| Ban (returning after disqualification) | £2,000–£5,000 | 30–40% | 3–6x higher |
| TT99 (totting up — 12+ points) | £1,500–£4,500 | 30–40% | 2–5x higher |
Factors affecting the premium:
- Time elapsed since conviction (longer = lower)
- Age and experience
- Vehicle type (low group = cheaper)
- Postcode
- Whether you completed a rehabilitation course (for drink driving — can reduce premium)
- Annual mileage
How to Get Convicted Driver Insurance
The key is to use a specialist broker who has access to insurers specifically set up for higher-risk drivers.
| Broker | Speciality | Can Insure After… |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Flux | All conviction types | Immediately after ban ends |
| Swinton | Specialist motor cover | Varies by conviction |
| Coverbox | Telematics for convicted drivers | Immediately after ban ends |
| Think Insurance | Drink driving, speeding, penalty points | Varies |
| Quote Detective | High-risk driver searches | Immediately after ban ends |
| EUI (provides data to brokers) | All conviction types | Via brokers |
Do not lie on your application. Non-disclosure of convictions is considered fraud and can result in:
- Immediate policy cancellation
- Prosecution under the Fraud Act 2006
- Having to declare the cancellation on all future applications
How Long Do Convictions Affect Your Insurance?
Convictions stay on your licence for a specific period, and insurers typically ask about them:
| Conviction | On Licence | Insurer Typically Asks For |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (SP30) | 4 years | 5 years |
| Drink driving (DR10) | 11 years | 5 years |
| Dangerous driving (DR30) | 11 years | 5 years |
| Driving without insurance (IN10) | 4 years | 5 years |
| Drug driving (DR40) | 11 years | 5 years |
After 5 conviction-free years, most insurers treat you as a standard risk, though some specialist convictions (DR10, DR30) may still attract higher premiums.
Telematics for Convicted Drivers
Many convicted driver policies now require a telematics black box as a condition of cover. This works in your favour:
- Demonstrates you are driving safely
- Can lead to premium reductions over time
- Gives the insurer confidence to offer cover
| Provider | Telematics Required? | Minimum Term |
|---|---|---|
| Coverbox | ✅ Required | 12 months |
| Insurethebox | ✅ Required | 12 months |
| Adrian Flux | ⚠️ Depends on risk | Varies |
| Swinton | ⚠️ Depends on insurer panel | Varies |
Tips for Reducing Convicted Driver Insurance
- Shop around every year — High-risk insurance is competitive; don't auto-renew.
- Complete rehabilitation courses — For drink driving, completing a course can reduce premiums.
- Drive a low-risk car — A small engine, low insurance group car makes a big difference.
- Voluntary excess — Offering higher voluntary excess (£500–£1,000) can reduce the premium.
- Build your NCB — Some specialist insurers offer a reduced "earn-back" NCB scheme.
- Consider a black box — Proving you drive safely with telematics can reduce your premium at renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Convicted driver insurance is for drivers with motoring offences that standard insurers decline.
- Premiums are 2–10 times higher than standard insurance — from £1,500 to £8,000+ per year.
- Use specialist brokers (Adrian Flux, Swinton, Coverbox) who have access to high-risk panel insurers.
- Never lie about convictions — it is fraud and invalidates your cover.
- Convictions affect insurance for 5 years (from date of conviction).
- A telematics box may be required and can help reduce your premium over time.
- Complete rehabilitation courses to help lower premiums after certain convictions.
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial advice. Convicted driver insurance terms, availability, and costs vary significantly by provider and individual circumstances. Always disclose all convictions truthfully and read the full policy terms before purchasing. If you are unsure about your obligation to disclose a conviction, contact the FCA or Citizen's Advice for guidance.