Yes; Once You’re Legally Reinsured and Your Licence Is Valid
An IN10 conviction means you were caught driving without insurance, one of the more serious motoring offences in UK law. It usually carries six to eight penalty points and can result in a driving ban or fine. So can you still drive after it? Yes; but only once your licence remains valid and you have proper insurance in place again. Until then, you can’t legally drive any vehicle, no matter how short the journey.
After sentencing, some drivers keep their licence with points, while others face a temporary disqualification. Once that period ends, you can apply for insurance again and get back on the road, provided you’re honest about your record.
What the IN10 Actually Means
IN10 stands for “using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks.” It doesn’t mean you’ve been banned automatically, but it does mark you as a high-risk driver in the eyes of insurers. The conviction stays on your driving record for four years from the date of the offence, and most insurers will ask about it for five.
The courts take IN10 offences seriously because uninsured driving affects other motorists. It’s often seen as avoidable; which is why the penalties can be harsh. But for many drivers, it’s simply the result of confusion over expired policies or a misunderstanding about who was covered to drive.
When You Can Drive Again
If your IN10 conviction didn’t come with a ban, you can keep driving immediately; but only if your insurance is now valid and your licence is active. If you were disqualified, you’ll need to wait until the ban ends and the DVLA reinstates your licence. Driving before that would count as driving while disqualified, which could bring much heavier penalties.
Once cleared, you’ll need to declare the conviction to insurers. It’s illegal to withhold it, and doing so could lead to another IN10 if you’re caught again. Fortunately, several specialist brokers deal specifically with drivers who’ve had uninsured driving convictions, and they can often help you get back on the road legally without sky-high costs.
How to Get Reinsured After an IN10
Insurers view IN10 offences as higher risk, so premiums rise sharply. You might find that mainstream comparison sites won’t quote at all. This is where convicted driver specialists come in. They’ll ask about the details of your conviction, your driving history, and what led to the offence. Be honest; it’s better to explain that it was a mistake or lapse than to appear evasive.
Here are a few tips that can help lower the cost of getting reinsured:
- Choose a modest vehicle. Smaller engines and lower insurance groups mean cheaper cover.
- Pay annually if possible. Avoiding finance charges can reduce your total cost.
- Add security. Alarms, immobilisers, and safe overnight parking all help to lower risk.
- Keep mileage reasonable. Limited-use policies cost less and show insurers you’re driving carefully.
Most importantly, never risk driving while uninsured again. Another IN10 could lead to disqualification and even prosecution.
Why Patience and Proof Matter
After an IN10, insurers want to see steady, responsible behaviour. Staying claim-free for the next few years is the single best way to rebuild your reputation. Some brokers offer black-box or telematics policies that track your driving habits and can help prove you’re safe and reliable behind the wheel. Each renewal without incident helps lower your premium and restores your standing.
Getting Back on the Road the Right Way
Yes, you can still drive after an IN10 conviction; but only once you’re fully insured and your licence is valid. It may feel like a setback, but it’s also a clean slate if you treat it that way. Learn from what happened, keep everything legal and above board, and within a few years that IN10 will be history. The key is never to risk driving without cover again. It’s simply not worth it.