Car Insurance Options for Banned Drivers UK

Yes, you can still get car insurance after a driving ban. However, it may be harder to find and it could cost more.

Insurance companies see banned drivers as a higher risk. Because of this, you might need to find specialist insurers that provide convicted driver insurance.

A driving ban can influence how much you pay for car insurance for many years. This is true even after the ban is over.

Most insurers in the UK want to know if you have had any driving bans for up to five years after the date of the conviction. During this time:

• You might have to pay more for premiums.
• Some insurance companies may not provide coverage.
• You will usually need special insurance for convicted drivers.

After five years, many insurance companies will treat you like a driver who has never had a ban. This is true as long as your driving record stays clean.

Fact: According to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, most driving bans are removed from your record after five years. This means you don't have to mention them anymore.

Not every driving ban impacts car insurance costs in the same way.

Drivers who are banned for dangerous driving or drink-related offences are often seen as high risk by insurance companies.

Temporary car insurance is often not available for drivers who are currently banned.

However, when your ban is over, you might be able to:

• Use short-term insurance while looking for a long-term policy.
• Insure a vehicle temporarily while waiting for a full policy to begin.

Temporary cover usually costs more each day than a yearly policy. This is especially true for drivers who have been convicted.

Even if you have a driving ban, you can still find ways to lower your insurance costs:

• Pick black box insurance (telematics insurance) to highlight your safe driving habits.
• Raise your voluntary excess to decrease your monthly payments.
• Use a low-risk car that falls in a smaller insurance group.
• Keep your mileage low to lower your risk level.
• Finish an advanced driving course to prove better driving skills.

Comparison sites can help you find the best value policies for banned drivers. They do this based on individual circumstances.

Specialist Insurers for Banned Drivers

Mainstream insurance companies usually do not cover banned drivers. However, specialist insurers can offer more flexible choices, like:

• Policies for only third-party coverage
• Full protection for drivers who are considered high-risk
• Short-term car insurance if you need it for a limited time

Fact: Some specialist insurers provide black box insurance for drivers under 25 who are banned. This helps them improve their driving record by showing proof of safe driving.

Page last updated on: 22/09/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani