Yes; But You’ll Need to Be Open About It
Leasing a car when you’ve got a motoring conviction isn’t impossible, but it’s not as simple as before. You can insure a leased car if you have a conviction, provided you’re honest about it and use an insurer willing to accept your driving history. Leasing firms require fully comprehensive insurance throughout the agreement, so finding suitable cover is your first hurdle. The second is convincing the insurer that your risk level is acceptable.
That said, plenty of people lease vehicles again after convictions; from speeding offences to short bans. It just takes a bit more groundwork and, often, help from a broker who specialises in convicted driver insurance.
How Leasing and Insurance Interact
When you lease a car, you don’t own it. The leasing company remains the legal owner, which means they’re extra cautious about insurance. They’ll insist that the policy:
- Names you (and anyone else allowed to drive) on a fully comprehensive policy,
- Lists the leasing company as the vehicle’s registered owner, and
- Provides evidence of valid cover before handover.
If you have a motoring conviction, none of that changes; but you’ll find that not every insurer is willing to underwrite a lease vehicle for a convicted driver. The risk of damage or non-payment is perceived as higher, so they tighten their acceptance criteria or charge higher premiums.
Declaring Convictions Honestly
Every insurer will ask about motoring convictions within the last five years, sometimes longer for serious offences like drink-driving (DR10) or uninsured driving (IN10). It’s vital to declare everything accurately; even if you think the leasing company might not find out. Insurers verify licence details electronically, so undeclared convictions usually surface quickly.
If you fail to disclose, the policy could be cancelled, leaving you in breach of your lease agreement and uninsured. That could also damage your credit record and make it even harder to lease or insure in future. So honesty isn’t just ethical; it’s essential for keeping the deal legal and intact.
Finding Insurers Who’ll Cover You
Most mainstream insurers decline higher-risk applicants, but specialist convicted driver brokers can help. They work with underwriters who assess each case individually rather than relying purely on automated systems. They’ll look at:
- The type and age of your conviction,
- Your driving history since the offence,
- Where the vehicle will be kept, and
- Your mileage and purpose of use.
Convictions for speeding or minor offences are less of a problem than serious bans, but even a drink-driving conviction doesn’t permanently shut the door. If your ban has ended and your licence is valid again, most brokers can find options; though they may come with higher excesses or additional checks.
When the Leasing Firm Has Its Own Insurance Rules
Some leasing companies offer insurance as part of the lease package. If you have a conviction, those bundled deals often won’t apply. In that case, you’ll need to source your own cover. Always check with the leasing provider before you commit; some require that the insurer be approved in advance, or that you provide evidence of cover from an FCA-regulated company.
For business leases, the company’s fleet policy might still cover you if the insurer agrees. For personal leases, the responsibility rests entirely with you; the driver named on the lease.
Getting Back on Track
Yes, you can insure a leased car after a motoring conviction, but you’ll have to shop around and possibly pay more. The key is openness; about your record, your usage, and your driving history. The longer you go without further offences, the easier it gets. In time, those convictions become just another line in your history rather than a roadblock. Until then, a good broker and a bit of patience will keep you on the road; legally, confidently, and in the driver’s seat again.