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Convictions Car Insurance Comparison

  • Car insurance for CD10 to CD90 convictions
  • Get coverage after a CD10–CD90 motoring offence
  • Compare different insurers for CD10–CD90 convictions

What is a Careless Driving Conviction?

A driving conviction for careless driving happens when a driver does not drive a vehicle as a careful and skilled driver should. According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, careless driving is seen as a motoring offence. The penalties can change depending on how serious the offence is.

Drivers who are found guilty of careless driving will get a CD endorsement on their driving licence. This can lead to higher insurance costs. Insurers see these drivers as higher risk road users.

Careless Driving Conviction Codes and Penalties

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Fine (£) Licence Endorsement Duration
CD10 Driving without due care and attention 3 - 9 Up to £5,000 4 years
CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users 3 - 9 Up to £5,000 4 years
CD30 Driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration 3 - 9 Up to £5,000 4 years
CD40 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years
CD50 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drugs 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years
CD60 Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years
CD70 Causing death by careless driving and failing to provide a specimen 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years
CD80 Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years
CD90 Causing death by driving: unlicenced, disqualified, or uninsured 3 - 11 Unlimited fine 11 years

Fact: The severity of the offence affects how long the licence endorsement stays on your record. Less serious offences stay for four years. More severe offences, like causing death, stay on a licence for 11 years.

How a Careless Driving Conviction Affects Car Insurance

A CD endorsement can greatly affect your car insurance. Insurance companies see careless driving as a high-risk offence.

How Insurance Providers View Careless Driving Convictions

  • Higher insurance premiums – A conviction can increase your insurance premium by 40% to 150%. This depends on the severity of the offence.
  • Fewer policy options – Some insurance brokers may not cover drivers who have been convicted.
  • Increased voluntary excess – Insurers might ask for higher excess payments because of the greater risk involved.
  • Risk of disqualification – A CD40, CD50, CD60, CD70, CD80, or CD90 conviction could lead to a driving ban.
How a Careless Driving Conviction Affects Car Insurance

Estimated Cost Increase for Car Insurance After a CD Conviction

Driver Type Average Monthly Premium Before Conviction (£) Average Monthly Premium After Conviction (£) Percentage Increase
Standard UK Driver (No Convictions) £40 - £90 £60 - £140 40% - 90%
Convicted Driver (CD10, CD20, CD30) £60 - £140 £100 - £220 50% - 120%
Convicted Driver (CD40 - CD90) £120 - £250 £180 - £400 80% - 150%

Tip: A good way to find an affordable insurance policy after a careless driving conviction is to compare driver insurance policies from several insurance providers.

Why Do Some CD Convictions Increase Insurance Costs More Than Others?

  • Minor careless driving convictions like CD10, CD20, and CD30 usually cause a moderate increase in premiums. This depends on the fixed penalty notice given.
  • Serious careless driving offences, such as CD40 through CD90, can lead to a driving ban. In many cases, insurance providers may choose not to offer coverage at all.
  • The date of conviction is important as older convictions matter less for the cost of drivers insurance.
  • CD90 offences, which involve theft, speeding, or driving without a licence, are seen as high risk by the financial conduct authority and insurance brokers.

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How to Appeal a Careless Driving Conviction

A careless driving conviction can hurt your licence points, insurance coverage, and driving record. Some drivers might feel the conviction was not fair and want to appeal the fixed penalty notice.

When Can a CD Conviction Be Appealed?

A driver may challenge a CD endorsement if:

  • They think the conviction code was used the wrong way.
  • There is not enough proof that shows careless driving occurred.
  • A mistake happened in the legal steps, including errors in the fixed penalty notice.
  • They were unfairly blamed for using a mobile phone while driving.

How to Appeal a CD10, CD20 or CD30 Conviction

1️⃣  Request Evidence:

  • Get in touch with the issuing authority to confirm the date of the offence and for details about the event of a claim.
  • Ask for footage from traffic cameras or evidence from police records.

2️⃣  Submit a Formal Appeal:

  • If you get a fixed penalty notice, you can challenge it in 28 days.
  • You need to send your appeal to the court that gave the conviction.

3️⃣  Attend Court if Necessary:

  • If the court accepts your appeal, you might need to attend a hearing.
  • Bring any witness statements, dashcam videos, or evidence that shows the offence did not happen.

4️⃣  Review Insurance After an Appeal:

  • If your motoring conviction gets overturned, let your insurer know right away.
  • Your insurance premium should change, and you might get some money back if the conviction had an impact on your policy.

What Happens if a Careless Driving Appeal is Successful?

  • Licence points are taken away.
  • Insurance providers change their premiums.
  • Your driving record is clear of the conviction.

How to Get Careless Driving Car Insurance

If you have a CD10, CD20, CD30, or CD40 – CD90 conviction, you might still be able to get convicted driver insurance. However, you should work on reducing the insurance cost.

How to Get Careless Driving Car Insurance

Steps to Get Cheaper Car Insurance After a Careless Driving Conviction

  • Compare convicted driver insurance providers – Some companies focus on drivers with a history of risks.
  • Choose telematics insurance – A black box plan can watch your driving habits and help lower your premiums.
  • Increase your voluntary excess – If you set a higher excess, it can lower your insurance premium.
  • Avoid further driving offences – More driving violations will raise your costs even more.
  • Drive a low-risk vehicle – The car you choose impacts the cost of your motor insurance.
  • Look for temporary insurance options – Some insurers provide short-term plans for convicted drivers.

Fact: Some insurance companies accept old convictions based on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. This means that older convictions might not impact your premium.

FAQs About Careless Driving Car Insurance

Yes, you might need to look for special insurance providers who offer convicted driver insurance. Many regular insurers usually do not want to cover higher-risk drivers.

A driving conviction for CD10 or CD30 can raise your insurance premium by 40% to 120%. This increase depends on how serious the offence is.

  • CD10, CD20, and CD30 convictions remain on a driving licence for 4 years.
  • CD40 to CD90 convictions stay on a driving licence for 11 years because they are serious.

Careless driving is not the same as dangerous driving. They are different motoring offences. However, careless driving can still result in penalty points, fines, and increased insurance costs.

Yes, some car insurance companies provide temporary coverage for convicted drivers. However, you should expect to pay higher premiums because they are considered a higher risk.

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Page last updated on: 15/05/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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