Problems Faced by Convicted Drivers

When you've been found guilty of a driving offence, you're classified as a "high risk" driver. Insurers calculate your premium based on your risk profile; the higher your risk, the higher your premium. Having a conviction makes you a less attractive prospect for insurers, who may presume that you're likely to make a claim in the future. This, understandably, leads to an increase in the cost of your policy.

The severity of your conviction also plays a significant role in influencing your insurance premium. More serious convictions, such as causing death by dangerous driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can significantly raise your insurance cost. Even seemingly minor offences, such as speeding or using a mobile phone behind the wheel, can cause a substantial rise in premiums.

Reasons for Convictions

To understand how to obtain affordable car insurance as a convicted driver, it's essential to understand the reasons behind these convictions:

• One of the most common offences in the UK is speeding, often leading to a SP30 conviction. Speeding not only increases the chance of accidents but also suggests a disregard for road safety rules, a trait insurers don't appreciate.
• Similarly, using a mobile phone when driving is another common offence leading to a CU80 conviction. This violation indicates distraction, another element that hikes up the chance of accidents.
• Drink driving or drug driving offences are particularly serious. They not only endanger the driver but also pose a significant threat to other road users. This is reflected in the DR10 and DG10 convictions and leads to significant insurance premium increases.

Finding Affordable Insurance

Despite these challenges, obtaining affordable car insurance for convicted drivers is achievable, although it may require a bit of legwork.

Shop Around

Every insurance company has a different method of assessing risk, so premiums can vary widely between providers. Take the time to obtain quotes from several different insurers, including those who specialise in policies for convicted drivers. it's always worth comparing to find the best deal.

Increase Your Voluntary Excess

Increasing your voluntary excess - the amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer chips in - can help lower your premiums. Just be sure that you can afford the excess if you need to make a claim.

Complete a Driving Course

Some insurers might lower your premium if you complete an approved driving course, such as a speed awareness course or the Drink Drive Rehabilitation scheme. These demonstrate a commitment to safer driving.

Limit Your Mileage

Lower mileage often equals lower risk in the eyes of insurers. If you can limit the number of miles you drive each year, this can help reduce your premium.

Secure Your Vehicle

Adding security features to your vehicle such as an alarm, immobiliser, or tracking device can also help reduce your premium.

Keep a Clean Record

The most effective way of reducing your premium is keeping a clean driving record. Avoiding further convictions will demonstrate to insurers that you're a responsible driver, which should decrease your premiums over time.

Consider Specialist Providers

Another option for convicted drivers is to consider specialist insurance providers. These insurers understand that everyone makes mistakes and that a driving conviction doesn't necessarily make you a bad driver. Specialist providers can often offer more competitive rates and have more experience working with high-risk profiles.

Wrap Up

Obtaining affordable car insurance for convicted drivers can feel like going through a maze, but by understanding the landscape and making some strategic decisions, it's entirely possible. Stay patient, do your research, and remember - the road to redemption starts with a single mile. Keep that in mind as you make your journey back to affordable car insurance.