Finding short-term car insurance when you have a conviction on your record can feel daunting. Not all providers offer cover in these circumstances, and those that do may have specific requirements. This page explains what you may need to consider and how comparing options could help.
Availability and pricing depend on your individual circumstances, including the nature and timing of your conviction.
Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team
This page is for UK drivers who need short-term car insurance and have a motoring or other relevant conviction on their record. Common situations include:
If you are looking for an annual policy rather than short-term cover, our convicted drivers page may be more relevant.
Short-term policies are designed for flexibility, typically ranging from a single day up to several weeks. For drivers with convictions, there are additional factors that may come into play.
Fewer providers offer temporary car insurance to drivers with certain convictions compared to annual policies. This is partly because short-term cover involves different risk calculations and some providers choose to focus on standard-risk applicants only.
The application process typically requires the same level of disclosure as an annual policy. You will usually be asked about any unspent convictions and may need to provide specific details including the offence code, date, and any penalty received.
Temporary car insurance policies typically offer similar core cover to annual policies, though the exact features depend on the provider and policy type. Cover may include:
Always check the policy documents carefully. Excesses, cover limits, and exclusions can vary significantly between providers and may differ from what you would expect on an annual policy.
Several factors influence whether a provider will offer cover and at what price. Understanding these may help you when completing a quote form.
Type of conviction: Motoring convictions such as drink-driving offences or dangerous driving are typically viewed more seriously than speeding offences. Non-motoring convictions may also be relevant depending on the insurer's criteria.
Time elapsed: A conviction from several years ago may have less impact than a recent one. Insurers often have thresholds for how long they consider convictions relevant.
Spent versus unspent: Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, some convictions become spent after a certain period. However, insurers may still ask about spent convictions in some circumstances.
Other factors: Your age, driving experience, the vehicle you wish to insure, and your claims history all contribute to the overall assessment. Those classified as high risk by insurers may find fewer options available.
UK driving convictions are recorded using specific codes such as SP30 for speeding or DR10 for drink-driving. These codes carry different points and rehabilitation periods. Knowing your exact code helps ensure accurate disclosure. Your driving licence or a DVLA check can confirm the details.
When applying for any insurance, you have a duty to answer questions truthfully. Failing to declare a conviction when asked, or providing inaccurate information, could result in your policy being voided or a claim being rejected. It is always better to disclose fully, even if it means fewer options or higher premiums.
Providers assess convictions differently. One insurer may decline cover for a particular offence while another may offer it at a higher premium. Comparing allows you to see which providers may consider your application, though availability cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Temporary policies can have different excesses, cover limits, or exclusions compared to annual policies. For example, the excess you would pay in a claim might be higher on a short-term policy. Read the policy summary and key facts document before purchasing.
If you are borrowing someone else's car, check whether their existing policy allows additional drivers and whether you would be covered under it. In some cases, a temporary policy in your own name may be preferable as it does not affect the vehicle owner's no-claims history if you make a claim.
Start a quote to see what temporary cover may be available based on your circumstances and conviction history.
Start Your QuoteThis page was written by our editorial team to help UK drivers understand temporary car insurance options when they have a conviction. We researched how providers typically handle applications from drivers with convictions and what factors commonly affect availability. The content is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains accurate and useful.
MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. We are not an insurer and do not provide insurance policies directly. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. We may receive a commission if you purchase a policy through a link on our site.
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