Compare DR80 Car Insurance – Cover for Drug Driving Offences

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  • Car insurance for drivers with a DR80 conviction
  • Compare policies from regulated insurance providers
  • Find affordable car insurance after a DR80 conviction

What is a DR80 Conviction?

A DR80 conviction occurs when a driver is considered unfit to drive due to drug use. This covers both illegal substances and prescription drugs. It is one of the most serious driving offenses in the UK. A DR80 conviction can lead to serious legal and financial issues.

A driver convicted of DR80 drug driving will face:

  • A mandatory driving ban
  • Penalty points on their licence
  • Higher car insurance costs
  • A criminal record

A DR80 conviction remains on your driving licence for 11 years. This can make it tough to get good car insurance. Many regular insurance companies will not cover drivers with a DR80 conviction. So, drivers must find special convicted driver insurance.

DR80 Conviction Breakdown

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Licence Endorsement Duration
DR80 Driving while unfit through drugs 3 - 11 11 years

Fact: A DR80 conviction stays on your driving licence for 11 years. However, insurers typically want to know about it for five years when deciding your insurance costs.

How a DR80 Conviction Affects Car Insurance

A DR80 conviction can lead to higher car insurance rates. Insurance providers view DR80 drivers as high risk. Because of this, fewer companies want to offer them coverage.

Why DR80 Car Insurance is More Expensive

  • More chance of future incidents – Drivers with a DR80 conviction are more likely to repeat the same mistake.
  • Fewer insurance options – Most insurance companies will not cover drivers with a drug driving conviction.
  • Tougher policy rules – Many insurers now provide only black box insurance or increase the extra amount you need to pay.
  • Greater chance of claims – Insurance providers think drug drivers are more likely to cause bad accidents.

Estimated DR80 Insurance Premium Increases

Driver Type Estimated Monthly Premium (£) Estimated Annual Premium (£)
Standard Driver £40 - £90 £480 - £1,080
DR80 Conviction £110 - £280 £1,320 - £3,360

Fact: Many insurance companies offer black box insurance only for drivers who have a DR80 conviction. This helps them monitor driving habits.

Why a DR80 Conviction Raises Insurance Costs

  • Higher risk – Insurance providers view DR80 drivers as high risk due to impaired driving.
  • Fewer insurer options – Many insurers do not want to provide coverage for DR80 drivers.
  • Limited payment choices – Some insurers require full annual payments instead of allowing monthly payments.
  • Telematics policies – A lot of insurers only offer black box insurance for DR80 drivers.
  • Criminal offence – DR80 is a serious criminal offence. It can affect your financial applications and job chances.
Why a DR80 Conviction Raises Insurance Costs

Legal Consequences of a DR80 Conviction

A DR80 conviction can lead to serious legal problems. In the UK, drug driving is a serious motoring offence.

Penalties for a DR80 Conviction

  • Driving ban – A minimum ban of 12 months. It can be longer for serious cases.
  • Prison sentence – A maximum of six months for very serious cases.
  • Fine and legal action – Courts can issue fines without a limit.
  • Criminal record – A DR80 conviction stays on your record. This can impact your travel plans and job opportunities.
  • Penalty points – You can receive between 3 and 11 penalty points on your driving licence.

Fact: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act says that if you have a DR80 conviction, you must declare it for five years when applying for insurance.

The Role of Illegal Drugs in DR80 Convictions

A DR80 conviction occurs when a driver is thought to be unfit to drive due to illegal drugs in their system. This is not the same as just having drug levels above the legal limit. A DR80 is based on police judgment, roadside tests, and medical evidence. If there are illegal substances in a driver's blood, it can lead to a criminal conviction. This conviction will remain on their driving record for 11 years.

  • Impact on Insurance Policy: Insurers see DR80 as a serious offence. This may lead to higher premiums. You could also have fewer choices for your insurance policy.
  • Risk of a Second Offence: A driver who gets another offence may face tougher punishment. This might include longer bans, larger fines, or even jail time.
  • Rehabilitation Considerations: Some insurance companies provide special policies for drivers trying to improve their driving skills.

DR80 Conviction vs Other Drug Driving Offences

Conviction Code Offence Penalty Points Time on Licence Premium Increase
DR80 Driving unfit through drugs 3 - 11 11 years 50% - 200%
DG30 Causing death by careless driving (drugs) 3 - 11 11 years 100% - 250%
DG10 Driving with drug levels above the legal limit 3 - 11 11 years 50% - 200%
DR90 In charge of a vehicle while unfit (drugs) 10 points 4 years 40% - 120%

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How Long a DR80 Conviction Affects Insurance Costs

Conviction Type Licence Duration Time Insurance Costs Are Affected Chance of Finding Affordable Insurance
DR80 11 years 5 years Requires specialist insurers
DG30 11 years 5 years Limited but possible with specialists
DG10 11 years 5 years Requires convicted driver insurance
DR90 4 years 5 years Easier than other drug convictions

How to Reduce DR80 Car Insurance Costs

Drivers with a DR80 conviction might find it hard to get cheap car insurance. However, there are methods to help reduce insurance costs.

How to Reduce DR80 Car Insurance Costs

Ways to Reduce DR80 Insurance Costs

  • Compare convicted driver insurance providers – Specialist insurers often have the best rates.
  • Consider black box insurance – A telematics policy tracks your driving habits and can help lower your premiums.
  • Increase voluntary excess – A higher excess will lower your monthly payments but will cost more if you make a claim.
  • Choose a car in a lower insurance group – Cars that are cheaper to repair usually have lower insurance rates.
  • Take an advanced driving course – Some insurance providers offer discounts for completing a safe driving course.
  • Maintain a clean driving record – Avoid getting more motoring convictions to keep your insurance costs low in the future.

FAQs About DR80 Car Insurance

Many insurance companies see DR80 as a big problem. It is a good idea to choose special insurance providers who concentrate on helping convicted drivers get coverage.

A DR80 conviction will stay on your driving licence for 11 years. But insurance companies only want to know about this for the last five years.

Third-party insurance usually costs less. But, some companies offer better prices for full coverage.

Countries, like the USA and Canada, may not allow people to enter if they have a drug driving conviction.

Yes, after five years, some insurance companies may no longer consider the conviction when they decide on the prices.

A DR80 conviction affects your driving licence, not your vehicle registration.

Yes, temporary car insurance for convicted drivers usually costs more.

Yes, every UK insurance company, including those offering DR80 cover, must be regulated by the FCA.

Yes, if you pay once a year, you can save money. Some insurance companies charge extra fees if you pay monthly.

Some insurance providers may choose not to renew policies for drivers seen as high-risk.

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Page last updated on: 08/04/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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