Insurance After Drink Drive Conviction

Overview

Drink driving is a serious offence, and it is important to understand how it can affect your insurance. Being convicted of a drink driving offence can make it difficult to obtain car insurance, and can lead to increased premiums and higher excesses if you are able to find a policy. If you have been convicted of a drink driving offence, you will want to know what steps you need to take to get insurance and what your options are. Read on to find out more.

What is a Drink Drive Conviction?

A drink drive conviction is when you are found guilty of driving a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. This is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and carries a range of potential penalties including disqualification from driving, a fine, a community order or even imprisonment. A drink drive conviction will stay on your record for 11 years, and can have a significant impact on your ability to obtain car insurance.

Difficulties Obtaining Insurance After a Conviction

Insurers view drink driving as a serious offence, and it is likely that you will find it difficult to obtain car insurance if you have been convicted of a drink driving offence. You may find that insurers refuse to quote for you, or that they offer significantly higher premiums and excesses than they would do for someone with a clean driving record. It is important to be aware that being convicted of a drink driving offence can make it difficult to obtain insurance.

Finding Insurance After a Conviction

There are a number of specialist insurers who are willing to provide cover for people with a drink driving conviction. These insurers will usually require additional information about your record, and may also require you to take additional steps such as attending a drink driving awareness course or taking a medical to assess your fitness to drive. It is important to be aware that these insurers are likely to charge higher premiums and excesses than regular insurers.

Making a Claim After a Conviction

If you are convicted of a drink driving offence and you do obtain insurance, it is important to be aware that your insurer may not cover you for any claims that arise out of your drink driving conviction. This is because the insurer may view your conviction as an indication that you are a greater risk and may not be willing to provide cover for any claims that arise out of the offence. It is important to check the terms of your policy carefully to ensure that you are covered for any claims that may arise.

Conclusion

Drink driving is a serious offence and can have a significant impact on your ability to obtain car insurance. Insurers view drink driving as a higher risk, and it is likely that you will find it difficult to obtain insurance if you have been convicted of a drink driving offence. There are specialist insurers who are willing to provide cover, but they are likely to charge higher premiums and excesses than regular insurers. It is important to be aware that your insurer may not cover you for any claims that arise out of your drink driving conviction, and it is important to check the terms of your policy carefully.