Compare DR70 Car Insurance – Cover for Convicted Drivers

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Convictions Car Insurance Comparison

  • Get car insurance if you don't take a DR70 breath test.
  • Compare quotes from specialist providers to find the best price.
  • Get coverage from insurers that offer policies for drink drivers.

What is a DR70 Conviction?

A DR70 conviction occurs when a driver does not give a sample for a breath test. This usually takes place at the roadside. It is not the same as refusing a test at a lab.

If the police stop you properly and you do not want to take a preliminary test without a good reason, according to the law, you may face charges under the conviction code DR70.

Penalty for DR70:

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Licence Endorsement Duration
DR70 Failing to provide a specimen for a preliminary test 4 4 years

Fact: A DR70 endorsement remains on your driving licence for 4 years. This period starts from the date of conviction.

Legal Consequences of a DR70 Offence

The punishments for a DR70 are severe. This is the case even if it's not a direct drink driving charge.

  • Driving Ban: A ban doesn’t happen by itself, but it is possible.
  • Penalty Points: You will receive at least 4 penalty points.
  • Fine: The fine can reach up to £1,000.
  • Licence Endorsement: This will remain on your licence for 4 years.
  • Extended Driving Test: You may need to take a longer driving test after a ban.
  • SORN Notification: You might have to inform someone if your car is off the road during the ban.
Penalty Details
Penalty Points 4
Fine Up to £1,000
Driving Ban Possible in serious cases
Licence Endorsement 4 years

Police usually give a DR70 to drivers who say no to a breath test during a stop. You need a valid reason, like a mental health condition or a medical issue, to avoid getting this form.

DR70 and the Legal Alcohol Limits in the UK

Even a small amount of alcohol can impact your driving. DR70 isn't just about going over the legal limit. It also connects to drink driving laws.

Measurement England, Wales & NI Scotland
Micrograms of alcohol per 100ml breath 35 µg 22 µg
Milligrams of alcohol per 100ml blood 80 mg 50 mg
Milligrams of alcohol per 100ml urine 107 mg 67 mg

Fact: DR70 offences often happen when someone does not agree to take a breath test by the roadside. This can occur even if the person is below the legal alcohol limit.

How a DR70 Conviction Affects Car Insurance

A DR70 can make it more difficult to get regular car insurance. Insurance companies might consider you a higher risk. This happens even though a DR70 is not as serious as a full drink driving charge.

Driver Type Estimated Annual Premium (£)
Standard Driver £500 – £800
DR70 Convicted Driver £1,200 – £2,000

Key Impacts:

  • There are not many insurance companies that want to give quotes.
  • The price of basic third party insurance is increasing.
  • You may need a black box insurance policy.
  • A few companies might refuse to cover you if you do not complete a rehabilitation course.
How a DR70 Conviction Affects Car Insurance

Finding the Right Car Insurance Policy After a DR70

You can still find a good car insurance policy after a DR70 if you:

  • Look at prices from several specialist providers.
  • Be clear about your conviction code and the date of the offence.
  • Consider using a black box to show your improved driving skills.
  • Provide information about any rehabilitation course you have finished.

Using a car insurance comparison service can help you find the best deal. It works by checking your driving record and your personal risk profile.

Types of Insurance Policies Available After a DR70

These are your main coverage types:

  • Third Party: This is a basic legal requirement.
  • Third Party, Fire and Theft: This gives you extra protection.
  • Fully Comprehensive: This covers your vehicle and other vehicles as well.
Level of Cover What It Covers
Third Party Damage to others only
Third Party, Fire & Theft Adds theft/fire protection
Fully Comprehensive Includes own vehicle damage

Fact: Some drivers with a DR70 notice that getting fully comprehensive cover can be cheaper than third party insurance. This happens because it is given to safer drivers.

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How a DR70 Conviction Impacts Car Ownership and Vehicle Responsibilities

A DR70 conviction affects more than just your car insurance rates. It can change how you manage having a car while you're banned or after the conviction is on your record.

Vehicle SORN and Road Tax:

  • If you cannot drive your car, you must tell the DVLA with a SORN notification (Statutory Off Road Notification).
  • Without a valid SORN, you will still need to pay road tax, even if you are not driving.

Renewing or Updating Car Insurance:

  • After a DR70, some insurance providers may only offer short-term insurance policies. They might also require you to fully renew your insurance policy.
  • Inform your insurance provider about any changes in your situation. This can help prevent the cancellation of your policy.
DR70 Conviction Impacts Car Ownership and Vehicle Responsibilities

Selling or Buying a Car:

  • A conviction can lower the price you get when you sell your car.
  • If you buy a new car after a DR70 conviction, your insurance may cost more, especially for cars with higher power.

Responsibilities on UK Roads:

  • Once your ban is finished, you must ensure your vehicle, new or old, has tax, insurance, and is safe to drive before using UK roads.
  • Driving without insurance, even for one day, does not meet the legal requirement.

How Long a DR70 Affects Your Insurance Costs

Conviction Code Licence Endorsement Insurance Impact Period Chance of Lower Premium
DR70 4 years 5 years Improves after 5 years
DR61 4 years 5 years Improves after 5 years
DR10 11 years 5 years Moderate improvement

After 5 years, the conviction is no longer counted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. This means that insurers cannot consider it when giving you quotes.

How to Reduce Insurance Premiums After a DR70 Conviction

You can bring down your car insurance premiums by:

  • Complete a driving rehabilitation course.
  • Install a black box device.
  • Reduce your driving each year.
  • Pay for your policy yearly instead of monthly.
  • Choose a car that has a lower insurance group.

Also, remember to update your road tax, SORN notification, and vehicle records if you get banned.

FAQs About DR70 Drink Driver Car Insurance

It is not directly related, but it is linked. It is given when someone decides not to take a preliminary test. This usually occurs during a drink driving check.

You will need convicted driver insurance from special providers that give high-risk policies.

It lasts for 4 years. When getting car insurance, you may need to mention it for 5 years.

If you receive a driving ban, the DVLA may require you to take an extended driving test before you can regain your licence.

No, it still results in higher premiums. There are also fewer insurance policy choices available compared to a clean license.

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Page last updated on: 24/04/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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