What counts as a driving conviction?

There are many conviction types, each with its own code and number of penalty points. Common ones include SP30 (exceeding the speed limit on a public road), CU80 (breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, including using a hand-held phone), IN10 (using a vehicle without insurance), SP50 (exceeding the speed limit on a motorway) and TS10 (failing to comply with traffic light signals).

What if I don't disclose my convictions?

If you don't declare a conviction you were asked about, your insurer may be able to cancel your policy, reduce or refuse a claim. Always answer the questions fully and honestly.

How much will a conviction affect my insurance price?

It depends on the conviction, how recent it is and the insurer. In general, convictions lead to higher premiums, and the increase can be more than people expect.

Drivers

Convicted van insurance

Van insurance with driving convictions explained: common conviction codes, why you must declare them and the levels of cover available.

Nobody plans to get a driving conviction, and even careful drivers can end up with points on their licence. If you rely on a van for work, a conviction can make finding insurance harder and more expensive for some years afterwards.

Many mainstream insurers raise premiums sharply for drivers with one or more convictions, and some won't offer cover at all. Fortunately, there are specialist insurers who understand that a past mistake doesn't always predict what will happen in future.

With Kompare, you fill in a short form and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you to talk through your cover and quotes. See our convicted driver insurance and van insurance pages, or read how we work.

What details do I need to provide?

When you ask for a quote, you'll usually be asked for the following.

Details of the vehicle

You don't need to know the exact model of your van. Your registration number is normally enough to look up the details.

No claims bonus (NCB)

You'll be asked how many years of no claims bonus you have. Your current insurer can give you proof if you need it.

Named drivers

If anyone else will drive the van, you'll need their personal and licence details so they can be added to the policy.

Licence details

You'll be asked what type of licence you hold and how long you've held it.

Previous claims

You'll need to say whether you've been involved in any accidents or made any claims in the last five years.

Driving convictions

You'll need to give the full details of any penalty points or disqualifications, including the conviction code and date. You can check the codes and how long they stay on your licence on GOV.UK.

What are the different levels of cover?

You'll choose one of three levels of cover.

Fully comprehensive

This is the highest level of cover. It includes everything in third party, fire and theft, and also covers damage to your own van, even if an accident was your fault.

Third party, fire and theft

This covers you if you're responsible for injury to other people or damage to their property. It also covers your van if it's stolen or damaged by fire. It won't pay for repairs to your own van if you cause an accident.

Third party only

This is the most basic level of cover and the minimum required by law. It pays for injury to others and damage you cause to other vehicles and property, but there is no cover for your own van.

Not sure which cover you need?

If you're unsure which level of cover suits you, get in touch and we can help with any questions. If you carry goods for others, you may also want to look at courier insurance.