Find out how to get affordable car insurance after a drink driving conviction.
If you want to get back on the road after a drink driving conviction, you might find that car insurance is less affordable than before. Read our guide and learn how to save on your car insurance if you have a previous drink driving conviction.
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Can I get car insurance if I’ve been convicted for drink driving?
It’s a legal requirement for your car to be insured at all times — even if you’ve been banned for drink driving and won’t be using the car for a while. In this case you will need to have at least third party insurance cover or declare the car as off-road with a SORN (statutory off-road notice). You must inform your insurer as soon as possible after being convicted for drink driving and they will amend your policy to reflect your new circumstances.
When you do get back behind the wheel, contact your insurer again and tell them you plan to drive again. They should then offer you a new car insurance quote — but be prepared for this to be more expensive than your original premium. If your initial insurer refuses to cover you, don’t worry. Some insurers are wary about insuring drivers with a history of drink driving, but there are specialist providers out there that will be willing to take you on.
How will a drink driving conviction affect my car insurance costs?
Drink driving is one of the most serious driving offences in an insurer’s eyes, as claims for drink drivers are so costly and the potential for damage and injury is huge. To reflect this, drink driving has a higher impact on car insurance costs than most other types of conviction — it would be fairly standard to see your premium double after being convicted of a drink driving offence. You may also have to pay a higher compulsory excess in the event of a claim, and some of the more well-known insurers may not be willing to insure you.
You must declare your drink driving conviction for three to five years (depending on your insurer), but points from more serious drink driving convictions could stay on your licence for up to 11 years.
How to save on car insurance after a drink driving conviction
As part of your drink driving conviction, you may be offered to take part in a drink driver’s rehabilitation course. Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who have taken these courses, so it’s recommended you take one if it’s offered — you may also be able to negotiate a reduction in your driving ban for an approved course. You will have to pay upfront to take the course, but it’s likely to result in higher savings on your car insurance in the long term.
If you want to save money on your car insurance after a disqualification, don’t just accept your initial insurer’s quote without looking around for a better deal. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t get an affordable quote with a big-name insurer. There are several specialist insurers that deal specifically with convicted drivers.
Be sure to call insurers after getting an initial quote online — some providers may be willing to negotiate a deal once they’ve discussed your driving history and the details of your conviction.
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