The truth about named drivers: Do insurance companies check driving convictions?
When it comes to car insurance, it's important to be honest with your insurance company. This includes disclosing any previous convictions you or any named drivers may have. But do insurance companies actually check the driving convictions of named drivers?
What are named drivers?
Named drivers are individuals who are listed on your policy for car insurance and are authorised to drive your vehicle. They can be family members, friends, or anyone else who may need to borrow your car from time to time. It's important to note that named drivers can also affect your convicted driver car insurance premiums.
Do insurance companies check driving convictions on named drivers?
The answer is yes, insurance companies do check the driving convictions of named drivers and will still be viewed as a convicted driver. When you add a named driver to your policy, the insurance company will typically check their driving history. This includes any motoring convictions they may have, as well as their driving record and claims history.
Insurance companies use this information to determine the risk of insuring the driver and to set their premiums accordingly.
What is the most common type of driving convictions?
When it comes to driving, there are a number of different offences that can lead to a conviction. Some of the most common types of motoring convictions include:
Speeding
Speeding is perhaps the most common type of driving conviction, as it is easy to do and can happen to even the most careful of drivers.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence is also a serious offense and can lead to a 'drink driving conviction', as it poses a significant risk to both the driver and others on the road.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving, which includes behaviours like speeding, dangerous driving e.g. aggressive lane changing, and weaving in and out of traffic can also result in a conviction.
Driving without a valid license
This includes drivers who may not yet have obtained their license or may have had it suspended or revoked.
Regardless of the type of conviction, it's important to take responsibility for one's actions and work to avoid any future offenses on the road.
Motoring offences and penalty points explained in detail
Motoring offences and penalty points can have serious implications on your driving record and can even lead to the revocation of your license. It is important to understand what constitutes a motoring offence and how the penalty point system works.
It is crucial to take any motoring offence seriously and seek legal advice if necessary. Understanding the consequences of motoring offences and penalty points can help you to avoid them and keep your driving record clean.
Endorsements
Endorsements can add points to your driving licence, which can result in fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment. The number of points you receive depends on the severity of the offence.
For example, speeding can result in 3-6 points, while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in an automatic driving ban and up to 11 points on your licence.
It's important to note that penalty points can stay on your licence for up to 11 years, and having too many points can make it difficult to get car insurance.
Fines
Fines can range from a few £100s to £1000s, depending on the severity of the offence. In addition to fines, drivers may also receive penalty points on their license. These points can accumulate and lead to a driving ban or even the loss of a license.
Fines remain on your record for 5 years if you were over the age of 18 at the time of the offence. If under the age 18, they will remain on your record for half of this time.
Disqualifications
Disqualifications can range from six months to several years, depending on the severity of the offence. They can have significant consequences, affecting your ability to work, travel, and carry out everyday tasks.
Prison
In extreme cases, certain motoring offences can result in a prison sentence. These include offenses such as causing death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified or driving without insurance.
The length of the prison sentence will depend on the severity of the offence and can range from a few months to several years.
It is important to note that in addition to a prison sentence, a driver may also be subject to a fine and further penalty points depending on the nature of the offence.
Importance of disclosing driving/ motoring convictions
Disclosing any criminal convictions related to driving is crucial when it comes to car insurance. Failing to disclose a criminal conviction can result in either:
- Your insurance being voided, meaning you won't be covered in the event of an accident
- Legal consequences, such as fines or even a prison sentence
Consequences of not disclosing driving convictions
Failing to disclose your own or a named driver's criminal conviction related to driving can have serious consequences. As mentioned earlier, your car insurance can be voided, leaving you without coverage in the event of an accident. You may also face legal consequences and fines. In addition, failing to disclose a conviction can make it difficult to obtain car insurance in the future.
How to check for driving convictions
If you're unsure whether you or a named driver has any convictions, you can check your driving record. You can obtain a copy of your driving record from the DVLA. This will show you any driving convictions you or a named driver may have.
How to disclose driving convictions for named drivers
When adding a named driver to your car insurance, you'll be asked to provide information about their driving history. This includes any driving convictions they may have. It's important to be honest when providing this information.
Failing to disclose driving convictions can result in the consequences mentioned earlier such as a suspended policy or difficulty attaining car insurance in the future.
Factors that influence the impact of driving convictions on car insurance premiums
Criminal convictions can have a significant impact on car insurance costs. Factors may include:
- The severity of the conviction
- The number of convictions
- The driver's age, driving experience, and other factors when setting premiums
Do all insurance companies check your driving record?
The answer is yes, most insurance companies will check your driving record before providing coverage. This is because your driving record is a crucial factor in determining your risk as a driver. Insurance providers use your driving record to assess the likelihood of you getting into an accident or making a claim, which ultimately impacts the cost of your car insurance premium.
Your driving record includes information such as traffic violations, accidents, and any previous insurance claims. Insurance companies use this information to determine your driving history and risk level.
A clean driving record typically results in lower car insurance premiums, while a record with numerous violations or accidents may result in higher rates or even rejection of coverage.
What happens if my conviction is spent?
If you've been convicted of a driving offence in the past, you may be wondering what happens if your conviction is spent?
When a conviction is spent, it means that it is considered to be "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you are not required to disclose the conviction in most circumstances, including when applying for certain jobs or insurance policies.
However, it's important to note that not all driving convictions are eligible for "spent" status. Some more serious offences, such as drink driving or causing death by dangerous driving, may never be spent and must always be disclosed.
If your driving conviction is spent, you may still be subject to certain restrictions or limitations. For example, you may be required to disclose the conviction if you are applying for certain professional licenses or if you are travelling to certain countries.
It's important to check the specific rules and regulations that apply to your individual situation.
Tips for named drivers with driving convictions
If you're a named driver with driving convictions, there are a few things you can do to keep your premiums as low as possible. These include:
● Taking a defensive driving course
● Driving a car with a smaller engine
● Installing a black box or telematics device in your car
The importance of being honest with your insurance company
As we've mentioned throughout this article, it's crucial to be honest with your insurance company about any driving convictions. Failing to disclose this information can have serious consequences. It's always better to be upfront and honest about your driving history.
What are my options if I'm refused car insurance because of a conviction?
Being refused car insurance because of a conviction can be a frustrating and stressful experience. However, it's important to know that you do have options.
- Seek out specialist insurance providers like us at Insurance Factory, who offer policies specifically designed for those with criminal convictions. These providers may be more willing to insure you, though the premiums may be higher.
- Appeal the decision with the insurance company, providing any additional information or evidence that may help your case.
- Consider alternative forms of transportation, such as public transport or carpooling, if insurance remains un-affordable.
Whatever your situation, it's important to remain proactive and persistent in finding a solution that works for you.
How to find car insurance for named drivers with driving convictions
Finding car insurance for named convicted driver can be challenging. However, there are insurance companies out there, like us, that specialise in covering high-risk drivers. At Insurance Factory we specialise in offering convicted driver insurance to those who may already have penalty points or spent convictions etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, insurance companies do check for previous offences made by named convicted drivers. Failing to disclose convictions can have serious consequences, including voided insurance and legal penalties.
It's important to be honest when adding a named convicted driver to your car insurance and to disclose any driving convictions they may have which includes penalty points from previous incidents. Failure to do so can result in your car insurance claims being rejected or future/your existing policy denied at the renewal stage depending on the terms and conditions stated.
Get covered today with Insurance Factory and drive worry-free! Please call us on 0121 296 3075 to speak to one of our friendly specialists or click here to receive a quote for convicted driver insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don't declare driving convictions to insurance?
When it comes to your insurance policy, honesty is the best policy. Failing to declare your driving convictions can have serious consequences. Firstly, if you don't disclose this information, your insurance company may refuse to pay out in the event of an accident. Additionally, if your insurer finds out about your convictions later on, they may cancel your policy altogether. This can make it difficult for you to find affordable coverage in the future, as insurers may view you as a high-risk driver. Ultimately, it's important to be transparent with your insurance company to avoid any potential headaches down the road.
What is a spent conviction?
In the UK, a spent conviction refers to a criminal record that is no longer considered relevant for certain purposes, such as employment or obtaining insurance policies. When a conviction becomes spent, it means that an individual is not required to disclose it in most circumstances. This is done to give individuals with past criminal records a fair chance at rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
However, it is important to note that the rules surrounding spent convictions vary depending on the nature of the offence and the length of time since the conviction. When it comes to insurance policies, some providers may still ask about spent convictions, especially if the policy covers specific types of crimes or if it is for a higher-risk category such as motor insurance. It is always advisable to provide accurate and honest information when applying for any insurance policy, as failure to do so can result in the policy being invalidated.
Do insurance companies have access to DVLA records?
Insurance companies do have access to DVLA records in order to verify the information provided by policyholders. This is necessary for them to accurately assess the risk associated with insuring a particular individual or vehicle. By accessing the DVLA records, insurance companies can confirm important details such as the driver's license status, previous driving offences, and vehicle registration information.
This helps them determine the appropriate premium to charge for an insurance policy, as well as any additional terms or conditions that may be necessary based on the individual's driving history. So, next time you apply for an insurance policy, rest assured that the company will have access to your DVLA records to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of your risk profile.
What are the main factors that can influence my car insurance premiums?
When it comes to car insurance premiums in the UK, one of the key factors that can have a significant impact is driving convictions. Insurance companies take into account various factors when determining the cost of a policy, and a driver's history plays a essential role. The type of conviction and its severity can greatly influence the premiums. For example, a minor speeding ticket may have a lesser impact compared to a DUI conviction. Additionally, the frequency of convictions also comes into play. Multiple convictions indicate a higher risk and can lead to higher premiums. Other factors such as age, driving experience, and the type of vehicle also contribute to the overall impact on insurance policy rates.