Why Driving Convictions Raise Car Insurance Costs

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  • Find out how penalty points can change your insurance premium.
  • See how serious offences can affect your insurance costs.
  • Get tips on lowering your premiums after getting driving convictions.

How Driving Convictions Affect Car Insurance

Having a driving conviction can increase the cost of car insurance. Insurance companies look at your driving record to determine how risky you are. A driving offence, such as dangerous driving or drunk driving, can make it more likely that you will make a claim in the future. Due to this higher risk, insurers raise the premium to protect their costs.

The more serious your offence is or the more penalty points you collect, the more it will impact your insurance costs.

Driving Conviction Average Premium Increase
Minor speeding offence 10%–25%
Using a mobile phone while driving 50%–100%
Careless driving 75%–150%
Dangerous driving 150%–250%

Fact: The Financial Conduct Authority says that insurance companies must set premium rates according to real risk factors. This includes a person's past criminal history and their driving behaviour.

Why the Number of Penalty Points Matters

The number of points on your driving licence matters. It affects what you pay for car insurance.

  • 3–6 penalty points: A small to moderate rise in your premium.
  • 6–9 penalty points: A moderate to big rise.
  • 10–12 penalty points: A strong chance of losing your licence, plus very high premiums.

Insurance companies see drivers with more penalty points as a higher risk. If you have more points, you will probably pay more for your insurance policy.

Why the Number of Penalty Points Matters

Serious Offences and Their Impact on Insurance Costs

Serious driving offences lead to the highest increases in insurance costs. Offences such as dangerous driving, drinking and driving, or not stopping after an accident carry heavy penalties.

Offence Impact on Insurance
Drink driving Up to 250% higher costs
Dangerous driving Need for convicted driver insurance
Drunk driving (under influence) Need for black box insurance or specialist cover

Drivers with serious offences usually find it hard to get insurance. Many companies do not want to give them coverage. Because of this, the price of insurance goes up.

Fact: A drink driving conviction will remain on your licence in the UK for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

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How Different Offences Affect the Type of Insurance Offered

Drivers who have driving convictions often have fewer options for insurance companies.

  • Regular insurance companies might not give you coverage.
  • You may need convicted driver insurance.
  • Black box insurance can track how you drive. It can also help lower your costs over time.

Insurance companies usually ask drivers with serious offences to accept a higher voluntary excess. They may also offer limited coverage, like only third-party insurance.

How the Type of Car Affects Insurance After Convictions

The type of car you drive matters a lot after you have a conviction. A nice or expensive car may cause your insurance costs to go up even higher.

To keep insurance affordable:

  • Choose a car with a smaller engine size.
  • Don't make any changes.
  • Pick a car that has lower insurance costs.

Fact: Picking a smaller and less powerful car can reduce your insurance premium by as much as 30%. This change can be significant when you compare it to owning a sports car.

How Long Driving Convictions Affect Insurance

How Long Driving Convictions Affect Insurance

The length of time your conviction impacts your insurance depends on how serious the offence is.

Offence Type Length of Time Affecting Insurance
Minor offence 5 years after date of the offence
Drink driving or dangerous driving 5–11 years after date of the conviction

Insurers usually want to ask if you have had any convictions in the last five years. This information matters, even if the penalty points from those convictions are no longer active.

Tips to Lower Insurance Premiums After a Conviction

  • Install a black box: This can show good driving habits over time.
  • Accept a higher voluntary excess: This can help lower your monthly payment.
  • Choose the right type of car: Smaller and cheaper cars usually have lower insurance costs.
  • Limit mileage: Driving less may help reduce insurance costs.
  • Compare insurers: Some companies offer better rates for drivers with convictions.

You can lower your car insurance costs by driving safely. Choosing the right policy can also help reduce the effect of any past offenses on your insurance.

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FAQs About Driving Convictions and Car Insurance

The average premium increase will vary depending on the offence. A minor speeding ticket may raise your costs by 10% to 25%. In contrast, a drink driving charge can increase your costs by 150% to 250%.

Specialist insurers provide convicted driver insurance. This insurance is for drivers who have serious offences. Such offences include dangerous driving and drunk driving.

Yes, black box insurance keeps track of how you drive. If you drive safely over time, it can help you save money on your insurance.

Endorsements can stay on your licence for 4 to 11 years. How long they stay depends on the offence. Insurance companies look at them for up to five years.

Careless driving can make your insurance costs go up by 75% to 150%. This change depends on the number of penalty points you have and how the insurer views your situation.

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Page last updated on: 25/09/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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