How Spent Convictions Affect Car Insurance in the UK

You need to tell any insurance company about an unspent conviction when you apply.

Examples of unspent convictions include:

• Recent big driving offenses
• Current warnings or court cases
• A basic criminal record still has marks

Unspent convictions can affect:

• Costs of car insurance
• Prices for van insurance
• Eligibility for breakdown cover
• Access to courtesy car services after an accident

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You must declare a conviction if:

• It is unspent.
• The insurer wants to know about "any convictions," not just the unspent ones.

You do not have to declare:

• A spent conviction is not a big deal unless you want to apply for special jobs like in the police or teaching.
• A basic criminal record should not show any new offences.

Not saying you have an unspent conviction can lead to:

• If you cancel your insurance policy.
• Your claims may be denied after a theft or accident.
• You could be missing roadside help or coverage for legal costs.

Fact: Car insurance companies can take away your insurance if you don’t tell them about an unspent conviction. This can happen even after you have paid your car insurance premiums.

• Use a black box to keep track of good driving habits.
• Raise your voluntary excess, especially for minor offenses.
• Pick a cheaper car. A lower group means less cost.
• Compare several insurance companies. They see convictions in different ways.
• Take care of your tyres and keep your car in good shape to prevent more problems.