Can I get car insurance with criminal convictions?
While it’s still possible to get car insurance with a criminal conviction, the process isn’t always easy. First, insurers deem those with convictions as statistically higher risk, which in turn pushes premiums up – prohibitively so for some people. So, you’ll find your options are both more limited and more expensive.
Some insurers may refuse to cover you altogether, while others may only do so if your conviction isn’t driving-related. There are however specialist insurance companies who operate in helping those with criminal convictions find cheaper car insurance.
The good news is that you should still be able to get the full range when it comes to level of cover, from third party only policies to fully comprehensive ones.
Spent criminal convictions and car insurance
There’s often confusion around spent and unspent convictions. After a period of time, your conviction can become spent, usually depending on the severity of your crime, the age you were when you committed it and whether you have any other convictions. As of 2013, you no longer have to disclose spent convictions to your insurer, even if you’re asked.
By contrast, unspent criminal convictions must be declared if asked; if they’re not, your insurance will become invalid. You can work out when your conviction will be spent by using a calculator, such as the one created by charity <em>Unlock.
Cheap car insurance with criminal convictions
With a criminal conviction, your pool of potential insurers may be reduced and your premiums simultaneously more expensive. While this is often the case, there are still ways you can reduce your quote.
Telematics insurance involves installing a device which records your driving habits. If you’re a sensible driver, having a record to verify this can bring down your quote, rather than your risk profile being determined by your criminal conviction.
Upping your voluntary excess can also mean lower premiums, though just be prepared to pay the sum in the event of a claim. Driving fewer miles and improving your vehicles security can likewise help you get cheaper car insurance.