Car Insurance costs after a Drink and Driving Conviction
Eamonn Turley
3 minute read
03 Dec 2025
Average insurance cost increase after a Drink and Driving Conviction
Driving convictions, are on the increase, mostly driven by the increase in the number of cameras mounted on traffic lights and speed cameras. As you are likely aware, these are handed out for not obeying a traffic signal
If you never had to deal with drink and drive conviction, consider yourself lucky. Driving under the influence is a serious conviction regardless of the country. If you’re caught driving while under an alcohol level that is above the legal limit in the UK, it can have serious consequences for you.
In 2020, about 6,500 people lost their lives or suffered injuries as a result of drink driving. There are hefty legal penalties along with the soaring costs of car insurance. In this article, we are going to guide you on how to navigate your car insurance policies after the drink driving conviction in the best possible ways.
Estimated Insurance Costs by Drink Driving Conviction Code
Is it possible to get insurance after being convicted for Drink-Driving?
Yes, it is possible to get cheap car insurance after being convicted of drink and driving. Still, you should understand that it is a complex process.
There are chances that you might have to pay heavy amounts in insurance premiums. In some cases, car insurance companies may simply deny the payment for your damages.
The drink driving conviction impacts your licence for years. The penalty points may vary from 3-11 if you have been convicted for the offence. You may also get driving ban and fines. You will also face difficulties in getting the car insurance in the future.
The consequences of a Drink and Drive Offence
Insurance companies consider drink driving convictions as a risk factor for insurance. A high-risk offender is more likely to get involved in collisions or file claims. Hence, getting a car insurance is difficult. The conviction itself can impact your future, it can hinder you getting a job due to preconceived notions regarding DUI.
Insurance companies can rip you off with hefty car insurance premiums if you have been convicted of drink-driving previously. You may have to pay an unlimited fine or may even face a prison sentence for the offence.
The impact of Drink and Drive Conviction on your Insurance
A drink driving conviction in the UK can dramatically raise the price of your car insurance. Depending on how serious your case was, obtaining a drink-driving conviction (DR10) may cause your car insurance premium to increase two or even three times. Insurance companies may refuse to renew your insurance or charge you extremely high rates if you have a conviction for drinking and driving.
How long can a Drink and Drive conviction last?
Drink driving conviction will have an impact on your car insurance for at least five years. It remains on your license for 11 years. This is the minimum amount of time you must declare to the insurer of your drink driving conviction. However, the consequences for your insurance and the penalty points on your driving licence could continue for years.
UK’s Drink Drive alcohol limits
There are many physical factors that affect an alcohol result. Determining the precise amount of drinks that will keep you under the limit while driving in the UK is impossible. The reading will be impacted by your age, weight, metabolism, and the most recent meals you had
| Region / Scenario | Blood Limit | Breath Limit |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland — CURRENT | 80 mg per 100 ml blood | 35 µg per 100 ml breath |
| Scotland — CURRENT | 50 mg per 100 ml blood | 22 µg per 100 ml breath |
| England & Wales — PROPOSED (2025-onwards)* | 50 mg per 100 ml blood | 22 µg per 100 ml breath |
Severe Penalties and Fines
The consequences of a drink driving offence depend upon the severity and specifics of the case. Attempting to drive while drunk, you could receive even a prison sentence of up to six months, a hefty fine of up to £2,500, and a 3-year driving ban.
Though there are various ways to reduce the costs of a new car insurance policy after the drink and drive conviction, you must be very cautious following the below-mentioned strategies in this article.
Best Ways To Lower the Cost Of Insurance After Drink Driving
Here are some of the best ways to lower the cost of insurance after drink driving.
Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course
- If your driving suspension is 12 months or longer, you may be eligible for a DDRS programme.
- Completing the course can reduce your disqualification period.
- Many specialist insurers offer lower premiums to drivers who complete the course.
Compare Insurance Prices
- After a drink driving conviction, prices vary massively between insurers.
- Insurance price comparison sites may offer cheaper rates than mainstream companies.
- Always compare multiple quotes before choosing a policy.
Choose a Telematics / Black Box Policy
- A black box tracks driving habits like braking, cornering & speed.
- Safe driving can significantly reduce renewal prices.
- Ideal for proving improved driving behaviour post-conviction.
Change Your Vehicle
- Choosing a lower-insurance-group car reduces your premium.
- Insurance Group 7 cars usually offer some of the cheapest rates.
- Always check how your insurer rates your specific vehicle.
To ensure that you will save money, verify which category your insurer places your automobile in because different insurance companies rate vehicles in different ways.
It is best to get assistance from specialist car insurance companies, ideally one with experience assisting convicted driver insurance via high-risk policies to get the best deal.
Courtesy of The Actuarial Post
Did you know?
The government offers free debt advice, follow this link for full details https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice
Need yo compare DR10 Insurance?
You’re considered a high-risk driver if you’re convicted of drink-driving in a UK court. Too bad, not too many insurance companies will be willing to help you with cheap car insurance if you get this status.
But with the right guidance, you can get multiple quotes from a select panel of UK convicted driver insurance providers.
The select panel can provide insurance for drivers with points on their licence or convicted drivers. The panel is able and willing to provide you with car insurance, for those that have collected a few too many points on their licence. Simply click the Get Quotes option below and fill in a quick form to get access to multiple quotes. Then all you have to do is pick the best one!
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Read article- Updated: 03 Dec 2025
- Reviewed by Eamonn Turley Insurance Expert