The Short Answer
Online quotes for convicted drivers can be helpful, but they’re not always precise. The price you see on screen is based on limited information and general risk data. Once your conviction details are verified, the actual quote may rise; sometimes by a little, sometimes a lot. It depends on the insurer, the type of offence, and how recently it happened. So yes, the tools are useful for a ballpark figure, but they’re rarely the final word.
How Online Quoting Works
When you fill in an online form, you’re essentially feeding data into an automated rating system. It checks your age, postcode, vehicle, and driving history against its own risk tables. For standard drivers with clean records, the system works smoothly. For convicted drivers, things get more complicated. The software often isn’t set up to handle every kind of conviction, so it either rejects the query or gives a generalised estimate.
Insurers also have their own internal rules. Some refuse to cover certain offences entirely, like driving while disqualified or uninsured. Others will quote but load the premium heavily. The result is that automated systems sometimes simplify your record, making the quote look cheaper than what you’d later be offered once the insurer checks it properly.
Where the Gaps Appear
The biggest source of inaccuracy comes from how conviction codes are entered. If you type the wrong code or forget the date of conviction, the quote will be skewed. Even leaving out small details; the exact offence, length of ban, or number of points; can alter the price. Most online systems round figures up or down to fit their templates.
That’s not a sign of dishonesty; it’s just the limits of automation. Complex driving histories rarely fit neatly into drop-down menus.
When Online Quotes Work Well
Despite their flaws, online quotes are still a good starting point. They let you see which insurers even consider drivers with convictions and give you an idea of the range. If several quotes cluster around the same price, you’re probably close to a realistic figure. The problems tend to appear when one quote seems far lower than the rest; that’s usually the one that will change later.
Some specialist convicted driver brokers use online forms but follow up manually. Those hybrid systems tend to be far more accurate because a human checks the conviction details before confirming the price.
How to Get a More Reliable Figure
If you want an online quote that’s genuinely accurate, be meticulous about your details. Double-check your driving licence record with the DVLA, and make sure every conviction, code, and date matches exactly. Be upfront about disqualifications or pending cases. It’s tempting to skip over them, but that only leads to cancellations later on.
It’s also worth saving a copy of your quote reference. If you decide to go ahead, a broker can often use it as a basis for verification rather than starting from scratch.
The Bottom Line
Online quotes for convicted drivers are guides, not guarantees. They’re great for getting a sense of what the market looks like, but the final price will depend on personal checks, the insurer’s policy, and how clearly you disclose your record. Think of it as a first conversation, not a promise. The more open you are, the more accurate your quote will be; and the smoother the process when you’re ready to get back on the road.