Yes; But Don’t Expect Every Insurer to Play Ball
Yes, you can still use comparison sites after a motoring conviction, but the results might not tell the full story. Most UK comparison platforms let you enter details of convictions or penalty points, yet many mainstream insurers behind those sites will automatically decline higher-risk drivers. What you’ll often see is a mix of inflated quotes or the dreaded “we can’t provide a price at this time.” It’s not personal; their systems simply aren’t designed to handle more complex cases.
So while comparison sites are a useful starting point, they’re rarely the best route to realistic convicted driver cover. Think of them as the shop window, not the full market.
Why Comparison Sites Struggle with Convictions
Comparison engines are built for speed, not nuance. They rely on automated pricing systems that can’t always interpret driving histories accurately. If you’ve had a serious conviction; say a DR10 for drink-driving or an IN10 for uninsured driving; most algorithms will flag you as “refer” or “decline.” The quote disappears before you even see it. Even minor offences like speeding or mobile phone use can produce confusing or inconsistent prices across providers.
Another issue is data matching. The system doesn’t check your actual DVLA record in real time, so small entry errors or missing details can trigger rejections. That’s why drivers with convictions often get better results by speaking to a human broker instead of a website.
What Comparison Sites Can Still Be Good For
Despite their limits, comparison sites are handy for research. They show how different conviction types affect pricing in general, and they help you gauge which insurers remain open to convicted drivers. They’re also useful for checking rough premiums once your record starts to clear; for instance, a few years after a ban ends or penalty points expire. Just treat any quote as an estimate until you’ve confirmed that the insurer has accepted your full history.
If you see a competitive figure, it’s often worth calling that insurer directly. Sometimes they’ll confirm the quote manually once they’ve verified the details.
When to Skip Comparison Sites Altogether
For drivers with serious or multiple convictions, comparison sites tend to waste time. If you’ve had a ban, a DR10, or a TT99 for totting up points, you’ll save effort by going straight to a specialist convicted driver broker. They can access insurers who aren’t listed online, and they can negotiate personally with underwriters to tailor cover to your situation. You’ll also have the chance to explain the circumstances; something no online form can capture.
Specialist brokers often arrange flexible payment plans or short-term policies too, which can be ideal if you’re easing back into driving after disqualification.
How to Make the Most of Online Tools
If you do use a comparison site, take these steps to improve your results:
- Enter your conviction code accurately. Don’t just type “drink-driving”; specify DR10, DR20, or whichever applies.
- Check start and end dates carefully. Even a one-day difference can distort your quote.
- Be honest. Omitting convictions to get a lower price is illegal and invalidates cover.
- Save your quote references. They help you compare later when contacting insurers directly.
After that, use what you’ve learned to narrow down real options; and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. It’s often where the best deals hide.
A Smarter Way to Search
Yes, comparison sites can still help after a conviction, but they’re not the full answer. Think of them as a guide, not a guarantee. Start there, learn the lay of the land, then move on to specialist convicted driver brokers who can look beyond the algorithm. In time, as your record improves, you’ll find the online market opens up again. Until then, patience; and a few phone calls; will get you far closer to fair cover than any search bar ever could.