Driving Convictions

If you are convicted of a driving offence it will affect your car insurance, because you will be considered a high-risk driver (see Driving History) and therefore, more likely to make a claim. Driving offences cover a wide range of crimes, from driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

In the UK most driving offences carry penalty points. Penalty points are endorsed onto your licence if you are convicted of a particular offence. When you obtain your driving licence it is 'clean'. This means that there are zero penalty points. The more penalty points that are then added to your licence, the more high-risk you are and the more your car insurance will cost you.

Driving without car insurance is in itself a motoring offence. At present, the maximum penalty for driving without insurance, whether you are involved in an accident or not, is 6-8 penalty points and a fine of up to £5,000. In some circumstances you would also receive an instant driving ban. This is especially true if you are a new driver in your 'probationary period' (see New Drivers).

Driving uninsured is an 'absolute' offence. This means that you are either insured or you are not; if you are not adequately insured, you commit the offence. The 'driving without insurance' offence includes any use of a motor vehicle on a public road. Essentially, even if your car is parked on a public road, it needs to be insured. If it is being towed and requires steering, it needs to be insured.

Ultimately, if you are a convicted driver, especially if you have built up a number of penalty points, the cost of your car insurance will be significantly higher than somebody without driving convictions. Some insurance providers may even refuse to cover you.

For more details see:

• Driving and Alcohol / Drug Use
• Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
• Penalty Points