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Convictions Car Insurance Comparison

  • Car insurance for DG10, DG30, DR80, and DR90 offences
  • Get insured after a DG10–DR90 drug driving offence
  • Compare companies for car insurance for drivers with DG10–DR90 offences

What Is a Drug Driving Conviction?

A drug driving conviction occurs when a person drives while on drugs. This can include prescription drugs and illegal substances. UK law has established limits for specific drugs in a driver's system. If someone exceeds these limits, it can result in a criminal offence. They might get penalty points and a driving ban. Additionally, their insurance costs could increase.

It is illegal to drive when you have more than the allowed amount of illegal drugs or prescription drugs in your body. This law is part of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

UK Illegal Drug Driving Limits

Drug Legal Limit in Blood (Micrograms per Litre – µg/L)
Amphetamine 250 µg/L
Benzoylecgonine (Cocaine Metabolite) 50 µg/L
Cocaine 10 µg/L
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Cannabis - THC) 2 µg/L
Ketamine 20 µg/L
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) 1 µg/L
Methylamphetamine 10 µg/L
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA - Ecstasy) 10 µg/L
6-Monoacetylmorphine (Heroin Metabolite) 5 µg/L
Methadone 500 µg/L
Morphine 80 µg/L
Diazepam (Valium) 550 µg/L

Fact: A driver can be charged with drug driving even if they are using prescription drugs like diazepam, morphine, or methadone. This can occur if they appear unfit to drive due to the effects of the drugs.

Drug Driving Convictions with Prescription Drugs

Most drug-driving convictions happen when people drive under the influence of illegal drugs. However, you can also get charged if you try to drive after taking prescription drugs that make it difficult to drive safely.

In the UK, you cannot drive if any drug affects how well you can drive. This covers medicines prescribed by a doctor. Some medications can make you feel tired, slow down your reactions, or reduce your coordination. This increase the chances of having an accident.

UK Driving with Prescription Drugs Limits

Drug Legal Limit in Blood (Micrograms per Litre – µg/L)
Clonazepam 50 µg/L
Diazepam 550 µg/L
Flunitrazepam 300 µg/L
Lorazepam 100 µg/L
Methadone 500 µg/L
Morphine 80 µg/L
Oxazepam 300 µg/L
Temazepam 1,000 µg/L

Fact: You can drive legally when using prescription drugs. This is only true if you follow your doctor's instructions. Also, your driving should not be affected.

If you get caught driving under the influence of prescribed medicine, you may have fewer options for insurance. Your insurance costs are likely to go up. However, many specialist insurance providers can help cover drivers who have drug convictions. It's essential to compare various policies to find the best deal for you.

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Drug Driving Conviction Codes and Penalties

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Licence Endorsement Duration
DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs 3 - 11 11 years
DG10 Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit 3 - 11 11 years
DG30 Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit 3 - 11 11 years
CD50 Causing death by dangerous driving when unfit through drugs 3 - 11 11 years
DR90 In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs 10 4 years

Fact: If you have convictions such as DG10 or DG30, they will stay on your driving record for 11 years. This can make it difficult to find standard car insurance.

How a Drug Driving Conviction Compares to Other Offences

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Impact on Insurance Premium
DG10 Driving with drug level above the legal limit 3 - 11 150% - 250% increase
DG30 Driving while unfit through drugs 3 - 11 200% - 300% increase
DR90 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs 10 100% - 200% increase
IN10 Driving without insurance 6 - 8 50% - 100% increase
SP30 Speeding 3 - 6 10% - 50% increase

Tip: A driver who was found guilty of accidentally coming into contact with illegal substances can challenge their conviction by getting legal help.

How a Drug Driving Conviction Affects Car Insurance

A drug driving conviction labels a driver as being at a higher risk. This results in several consequences.

  • Higher car insurance rates – Drivers who have a criminal record may see their insurance costs rise by 100% to 300%.
  • Fewer policy choices – Some insurance companies may not offer coverage to drivers with a criminal record.
  • Black box insurance needs – A few insurers require a telematics policy to monitor driving behaviour.
  • Challenges with temporary car insurance – Short-term coverage might not be available for drivers with a conviction.
How a Drug Driving Conviction Affects Car Insurance

Estimated Cost Increase for Drug Driving Car Insurance

Conviction Type Average Monthly Premium Before Conviction (£) Average Monthly Premium After Conviction (£) Percentage Increase
Standard UK Driver (No Convictions) £40 - £90 £80 - £180 100% - 150%
Convicted Driver (DG10, DR80) £60 - £140 £150 - £300 150% - 250%
Convicted Driver (DG30, DR90) £120 - £200 £250 - £450 200% - 300%

Tip: A smart way to get a cheap car insurance policy after a drug driving conviction is to compare different specialist insurance providers. These companies can help high-risk drivers like you.

How to Get Car Insurance After a Drug Driving Conviction

Drivers with a DG10, DG30, DR80, or DR90 conviction can still get convicted driver insurance. They will need to take extra steps to find insurance that is affordable.

Ways to Reduce Car Insurance Costs After a Drug Driving Conviction

  • Compare convicted driver insurance providers – Some insurance companies offer plans for high-risk drivers.
  • Increase voluntary excess – A higher voluntary excess can help lower your insurance cost.
  • Choose third-party fire and theft cover – Many drivers find that third-party fire cover is cheaper than full comprehensive cover.
  • Avoid further driving offences – Keeping a clean driving record after your conviction can help rebuild trust.
  • Consider a black box policy – Some insurance companies may provide lower rates for black box insurance.
  • Look for flexible payment options – Some providers allow convicted drivers to pay monthly.

Fact: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act says that drivers may not need to share their conviction after 5 years in some cases.

FAQs About Drug Driving Car Insurance

Yes, you will need to search for specialist insurance providers that give coverage for high-risk drivers.

A DG10 or DR80 conviction can make insurance costs go up by 150% to 300%. This increase depends on how serious the offence is.

A DG10 or DG30 conviction will stay on your driving record for 11 years. But, insurance companies typically check it for only 5 years.

Some drivers may need to attend a driving rehabilitation course. They must do this before they can get their driving licence back.

Yes, temporary car insurance for drivers with convictions often costs more than regular car insurance.

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Page last updated on: 21/05/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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