Convicted drivers’ van insurance

Key takeaways 

• Driving convictions are usually for speeding, dangerous driving, using your mobile phone while driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 

• Driving convictions lead to endorsements and penalty points on your licence, lasting from four to 11 years 

• Convicted drivers are seen as high-risk by insurers, making car or van insurance more expensive and harder to obtain 

What is a driving conviction? 

A driving conviction is a criminal conviction you receive when you’re prosecuted for a motoring offence. 

Common motoring offences include speeding, dangerous driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – commonly known as DUI. 

The courts can fine you and ‘endorse’ your driving record with penalty points if you’re convicted of a motoring offence. Sometimes you can avoid penalty points by attending a course instead –  such as Speed Awareness or Safe And Considerate Driving. You will need to pay for this but it won’t show on your license. 

• Endorsements stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence. 

• Accumulating 12 points within three years could lead to disqualification from driving under the 'totting up' procedure.  

• Some offences – such as DUI or death by dangerous driving – can result in a ban straight away. 

Can I get insurance as a convicted driver?

It can be more difficult – and expensive – to find van insurance for convicted drivers. 

This is because insurers view convicted drivers as high-risk, which can make insurance more difficult and expensive to obtain.  

Non-driving convictions can also make it more difficult to get car or van insurance.  

However, it is illegal to drive a car or van, or park it on a public road, without at least third party insurance. Unless you declare your vehicle ‘off road’ with a statutory off-road notification with the DVLA, it will need to be insured. 

Do I need to disclose convictions when I get van insurance?

When applying for van insurance, the insurer will ask about ‘unspent’ convictions.  Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a conviction becomes ‘spent’ after a specific period of time (known as the rehabilitation period) has passed since the date of the conviction. The length of the rehabilitation period depends on the type of sentence received and the age of the offender at the time of the conviction.  

Failing to declare unspent convictions can invalidate your policy and make it more difficult to get motor insurance in the future. Certain offences will make it more difficult than others to find affordable cover. Van insurance for drink drivers, for example, will usually be very expensive. 

Common driving offences that can lead to convictions 

There are more than 70 types of motoring offences you could be convicted for in the UK. Each offence has a unique code and a set or range of penalty points, fines and other punishments. 

Do I need to tell my van insurance if I get a conviction mid-policy?

If you're convicted of an offence while you already have van insurance, you generally don't need to declare it to your insurer until you renew your policy, unless your contract specifically requires immediate disclosure. 

What are the long term impact of a conviction on van insurance?

An IN10 conviction, which is for driving without insurance, remains on your licence for four years and can result in up to eight penalty points. It must be disclosed to insurers if renewing van insurance within five years of the conviction. 

A DG10 conviction, for driving under the influence of drugs, stays on the record for 11 years. The consequences of such a conviction are far-reaching and can include a driving ban, fines, community order, or prison. 

How can I find affordable van insurance with a conviction?

If you have a driving or criminal conviction, it may make finding affordable an insurance more difficult. But there are still a few things you can do to reduce the cost. 

• Opt for a higher excess  

• Drive fewer miles 

• Enhance the security of your van  

• Consider a telematics or ‘black box’ insurance policy 

• Accept a speed awareness course instead of points, if offered  

• Drive a smaller, cheaper van  

• Reduce insurance add-ons  

Just make sure the excess you opt for is affordable in the event that you do have an accident.

Comparing van insurance for convicted drivers 

The key to finding the best deals on van insurance, especially with a conviction, is to compare your options. MoneySuperMarket can help with this.

You'll need to provide details about yourself, your driving history, any convictions, and the van itself. You can review tailored quotes by cost, excess, and cover level. It's important to choose a policy that strikes the right balance between price and cover to ensure you're not paying too much, or under-insured. 

Remember, honesty is the best policy when it comes to declaring convictions, and comparing options can lead to significant savings.