Having a conviction can make car insurance more expensive – but it doesn’t mean you have to accept a price that blows your budget. With a few strategic moves you can find cover that’s fair and workable, whether you’re just getting back on the road or rebuilding your record.
Start by being realistic about what you’re able to pay each year. Insurers see convictions as a higher risk, so your premium will reflect that. In fact, drivers with a conviction often pay significantly more than those with a clean record. But higher doesn’t always mean unaffordable if you take control of the factors you can influence.
One of the biggest levers is your choice of vehicle. Cars in lower insurance groups, those with smaller engines and proven safety records, cost less to insure. If you already own your car and it’s driving up your premium, consider whether switching to a more modest model might help. It’s not about settling for less – it’s about aligning your cover with your budget.
You’ll also want to think carefully about the level of cover and excess you choose. While “third-party only” may be the cheapest option, with a history of conviction you might find the pricing unusual – sometimes comprehensive cover can work out better value. And increasing your voluntary excess can bring costs down, so long as you’ll be able to afford it if you have to claim.
Another useful approach is to reduce how much you drive, if your lifestyle allows, and make your vehicle more secure – fewer miles and safer parking mean less risk for the insurer, which can mean lower premiums. Some insurers also reward safer behaviour with telematics or “black box” policies, which track your driving habits and can cut costs if you drive responsibly.
Shopping around is key. Specialist insurers and brokers who understand convicted-driver cover will often offer quotes that mainstream providers don’t show. It’s worth comparing multiple options and asking explicitly about how your conviction has been treated in the quote. Don’t just focus on the headline price – check the terms of cover, excess levels and any restrictions that could affect you later.
Finally, remember that this is a long-term process. Your driving record and time since your conviction both count. Each claim-free year, each mile driven safely, and each renewal where you accurately declare your history will gradually rebuild your standing. Over time, what once seemed high-cost may become far more manageable.