Car Insurance - Previous Accidents / Convictions

Have you prior accidents, claims or convictions?

Car insurance for convicted drivers or car insurance for drivers who have had accidents can be challenging to find. Many insurers will refuse to insure the driver, and those who can get cover are often met with hefty, unrealistic prices. Luckily, specialist brokers can offer cover for those with accident history or previous convictions, such as a drink drive conviction or a drug driving conviction.

What if you have points on your driving licence and you're having difficulties in getting a reasonable insurance quote for your car insurance renewal? Perhaps your current insurer has imposed an increased premium, or you've lost your no-claims bonus, so your renewal premium is higher than last year. Getting car insurance with convictions can present problems when insuring your car. Fortunately, QuoteRack can help you submit your details to insurance brokers who have access to specialist insurance schemes designed to accept such drivers with a poor claim or conviction history.

QuoteRack can help you with insuring your car if you have had a previous accident or other claim against your current car insurance policy, or if you have previous motoring convictions - or a combination of both. What if you have points on your driving licence and you're having difficulties in getting a reasonable insurance quote for your car insurance renewal? Perhaps your current insurer has imposed an increased premium, or you've lost your no-claims bonus, so your renewal premium is higher than last year. Having a car insurance claims or motoring conviction history can present problems when it comes to insuring your car. Fortunately, QuoteRack can help you to present your details to insurance brokers who have access to specialist insurance schemes that are designed to accept such drivers with a poor claims or conviction history.

Insuring your car after a prior claim or motoring offence

Through QuoteRack, you can submit your details to get an insurance quote when you have an unfortunate history of car accidents, insurance claims or motoring convictions. A simple shunt can lead to a lost no claims bonus or discount (NCD), something which has taken you years to build up. With the growing number of speed cameras, over 3 million motorists now have at least one speeding conviction, resulting in points on your driving licence.

If you have previous insurance claims and motoring offences

QuoteRack offers you the chance to receive quotes from specialist insurance brokers who know which insurance companies will offer the best terms for you if you have a poor accident or conviction driving history.

Lost your no-claims bonus after a claim?

It is sometimes not appreciated that you have earned a no-claims bonus, rather than a no-blame bonus. Once you make a claim following an accident, theft or even vandalism of your car, you run the risk of not only losing your NCD but also having to spend another couple of claim-free years building it back up to what it once was. At that point, you may consider taking advantage of a protected no claims discount.

Spent v. unspent motoring convictions

Many driving convictions will stay on your record for a set amount of years. This is called a rehabilitation period. At the end of this period, your conviction is considered spent. Spent convictions are removed from your criminal record. Convictions still within their rehabilitation period are considered unspent; these will be visible on your record and can be seen by anyone running a background check.

Most convictions are considered spent after five years; however, some offences can last longer, depending on the situation. Serious convictions, like dangerous driving or those that result in death, can last much longer.

Struggling to find cheap car insurance after an accident or with licence endorsements?

Some insurance companies specialise in offering quotes for people who have an unfortunate driving record. Getting an insurance quote if you have an unfortunate driving record is very straightforward - you are in the right place.

Speeding offences are one thing, but some driving convictions, such as a DR10 drink-drive conviction or an IN10 'Driving with no insurance' conviction are particularly difficult to place. But QuoteRack brokers will help you compare quotes from insurers who specialise in this type of accidents / convictions car insurance.

What does car insurance for past convictions or accidents cover?

• Comprehensive: This covers the driver, the car, its passengers, property, third parties, vandalism and theft
• Third-party, fire and theft: This covers third parties in the event of an accident, as well as fire or theft. It does not cover your vehicle in the event of an accident or vandalism.
• Third party only: The most basic, cheapest and legal minimum level of cover in the UK. This covers third parties injury and damage to third party property.

Additional types of cover available

Additionally, you may opt to extend your insurance cover, usually for a slightly higher premium. Common insurance policy 'add-ons' include:

• Breakdown cover: In the event your company car breaks down and needs recovering or repairing at the roadside
• Lost car key cover: To cover the cost of replacing your car keys if they are lost or stolen
• Courtesy car: A replacement vehicle so you’re not left stranded in the event of repairs to your company car, following an accident
• Windscreen cover: Usually included in comprehensive car insurance, cover can often be purchased for TPF&T policies, to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car windscreen
• No claims bonus protection: In the event of an at-fault claim, your no claims discount would not be lost or reduced

Here is a full list of all motoring offence and driving licence endorsement codes:

Accident Offences

AC10 Failing to stop after an accident

AC20 Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours

AC30 Undefined accident offence

Disqualified/Banned Endorsements

BA10 Driving while disqualified by Order of Court.

BA20 Driving while disqualified as under age.

BA30 Attempting to drive while disqualified by Order of Court.

Careless Driving

CD10 Driving without due care and attention.

CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

CD30 Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users.

CD40 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink.

CD50 Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs.

CD60 Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit.

CD70 Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for analysis.

Construction and Use Offences

CU10 Using a vehicle with defective brakes.

CU20 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition.

CU30 Using a vehicle with defective tyres.

CU40 Using a vehicle with defective steering.

CU50 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers.

CU60 Undefined failure to comply with Construction and Use Regulations.

Dangerous Driving

DD10 Driving in a dangerous manner.

DD20 Driving at a dangerous speed.

DD30 Reckless driving.

DD40 Dangerous driving.

DD50 Causing death by reckless driving.

DD60 Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle.

DD70 Causing death by reckless driving.

DD80 Causing death by dangerous driving.

Drink or Drugs Offences

DG10 Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit

DG60 Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit

DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs

DG40 In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit

DR10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the prescribed limit.

DR20 Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink.

DR30 Driving or attempting to drive when failing to supply a specimen for analysis.

DR40 In charge of a vehicle while alcohol above limit.

DR50 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.

DR60 Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive.

DR70 Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test.

DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drink.

DR90 In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs.

Insurance Offences

IN10 Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks.

Licence Offences

LC10 Driving without a licence.

LC20 Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

LC40 Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence.

LC50 Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds.

Miscellaneous Offences

MS10 Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position.

MS20 Unlawful pillion riding.

MS30 Playstreet offences.

MS40 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to a test.

MS50 Motor racing on the highway.

MS60 Offences not covered by other codes.

MS70 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight.

MS80 Refusing to submit to an eyesight test.

MS90 Failure to give information as to identity of driver.

Motorway Offences

MW10 Contravention of Special Roads Regulations (excluding speed limits).

Pedestrian Crossing Offences

PC10 Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations.

PC20 Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations with moving vehicle.

PC30 Contravention of Pedestrian Crossing Regulations with stationery vehicle.

Provisional Licence Offences

PL10 Driving without "L" Plates.

PL20 Not accompanied by a qualified person.

PL30 Carrying a person not qualified.

PL40 Drawing an unauthorised trailer.

PL50 Undefined failure to comply with conditions of a Provisional Licence.

Speed Limits

SP10 Exceeding goods vehicle speed limit.

SP20 Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles).

SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road.

SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit.

SP50 Exceeding speed limit on a motorway.

SP60 Undefined speed limit offence.

Traffic Directions and Signs

TS10 Failing to comply with traffic signals.

TS20 Failing to comply with double white lines.

TS30 Failing to comply with a "Stop" sign.

TS40 Failing to comply with directions of a constable or traffic warden.

TS50 Failing to comply with a traffic sign (excluding "Stop" signs, traffic lights or double white lines).

TS60 Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign.

TS70 Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction or sign.

Theft or Unauthorised Taking

UT10 Taking and driving away a vehicle without consent or an attempt thereat.

UT20 Stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle.

UT30 Going equipped for stealing or taking a vehicle.

UT40 Taking or attempting to take vehicle without consent; driving or attempting to drive a vehicle knowing it to have been taken without consent; allowing oneself to be carried in or on a vehicle knowing it to have been taken without consent.

UT50 Aggravated taking of a vehicle.

Special Endorsement Codes

J000 To signify an absolute discharge.

TT99 Over 3 months disqualification under penalty points procedure.

XX99 Over 3 months disqualification under "totting-up" procedure.

NE99 Non-endorsable offence for which you can be disqualified i.e criminal act.

Frequently asked questions

How will a CU80 Mobile Phone conviction affect my car insurance?

Depending upon your insurer’s views on the illegal use of a mobile device while driving, they might decide not to insure you or offer renewal terms. If terms are offered, they might be significantly more expensive than you have previously paid for your insurance.

How will a Speeding conviction affect my car insurance?

Different insurers calculate their car insurance premiums in different ways and taking different factors into account. Speeding and other licence endorsements and points are such factors, and while some insurers will load their premiums significantly, others will penalise convicted speeding motorists with less severe increases. However, you should be prepared for an increase in premiums no matter which insurer you approach for a car insurance quote. Some insurers will add a percentage increase, others might require an additional compulsory excess as well or instead. Knowing which insurers are most likely to offer the best policy at the best price to motorists who have speeding convictions is where QuoteRack can help you.

How will an IN10 No Insurance conviction affect my car insurance?

The issue of a no-insurance conviction is likely to stay with you, and on your driving licence, for a few years to come, so comparing the cost of car insurance with the motoring conviction taken into account is one where you might benefit from professional insurance advice from FCA-regulated insurance brokers.

Is car insurance for convicted drives expensive?

As with any insurance policy, this depends upon your individual circumstances. Your personal and business use details will play a part in your insurance quote, such as your age, location, where you leave your car during day and night and your driving experience, as well as the value of the vehicle. The type of motoring conviction, how long ago you were convicted and the length of any driving ban will also need to be taken into account.

Will a non-fault accident affect my car insurance?

Sometimes you cannot avoid making a claim on your car insurance and, through no fault of your own, your insurance company pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your car. Such claims might include:

• A 'hit-and-run accident' claim
• A claim for vandalism damage to your car
• A fire or theft claim

If you are fortunate to have a protected no claims bonus, in these circumstances your insurance company will not reduce the no claims discount you have taken so long to build up. However, there is usually a limit to the number of claims you can make witnin a given period, perhaps two claims in a single policy year, after which the insurer may reduce your no claims bonus.

In the absence of a protected no claims bonus however, any claim that results in your insurer paying out (with the probable exception of a windscreen claim) is likely to lead to a reduction in your no claims discount. It is a no claims discount, not a 'no blame' discount.

How can QuoteRack help?

If you are unfortunate to have a driving history of previous motoring claims or convictions, complete the simple online form to submit your details to insurance brokers who are familiar with placing policyholders with insurance companies who are willing to consider past claims or convictions.