AC10 Conviction and Car Insurance: What It Means for Your Cover

An AC10 conviction means failing to stop after an accident. It carries 5 to 10 penalty points and can also lead to a driving ban. The endorsement stays on your driving record for four years from the date of the offence.

An AC10 can make car insurance harder to arrange or more expensive, but it does not automatically mean you cannot get cover. At Got You Covered, we arrange convicted driver insurance for people with motoring convictions, previous claims and a low no-claims bonus.

What does an AC10 conviction mean?

AC10 is the DVLA endorsement code for failing to stop after an accident. It is sometimes called a “hit and run” offence, although AC10 has a specific legal meaning.

After certain road accidents, a driver must stop and provide the required details. If those details are not exchanged, the accident may need to be reported to the police. The duty to stop and report can include reporting the accident as soon as reasonably practicable and, where required, within 24 hours.

AC10 is different from AC20. AC20 covers failing to give particulars or report an accident within the required period. Both carry 5 to 10 points.

You can find related terms such as driving conviction and penalty points in our insurance glossary.

What are the penalties for an AC10 conviction?

An AC10 carries 5 to 10 penalty points, and a court can also disqualify a driver.

In England and Wales, the sentencing range for failing to stop or report a road accident can include a fine, community order, driving ban or custody. The maximum sentence is six months’ custody and an unlimited fine.

For new drivers, a licence is normally revoked after six or more penalty points within two years of passing the first driving test. An AC10 may therefore be enough to trigger revocation. Other drivers can face disqualification after 12 or more points within three years.

Can you get car insurance with an AC10 conviction?

Yes, in many cases you can still get car insurance with an AC10 conviction.

Some insurers may not offer cover, while others may charge more or apply different terms. A motoring conviction can affect how an insurer assesses risk.

Got You Covered specialises in drivers with motoring convictions, previous claims and low or zero no-claims bonus.

If you were disqualified, insurance is relevant after the ban has ended and once you are legally entitled to drive again. If you were banned for 56 days or more, you will normally need to apply for a new driving licence before driving again.

How can an AC10 affect the cost of insurance?

There is no fixed amount that an AC10 adds to a premium. Each insurer has its own underwriting rules.

An insurer may consider:

• how recent the conviction is
• the number of points and whether there was a ban
• the accident and any related claim
• other convictions or claims
• your no-claims bonus
• your vehicle, postcode, occupation, mileage and vehicle use

Two people with the same AC10 code may therefore receive different quotes. Our page on what affects your car insurance premium explains more.

How long does an AC10 stay on your record?

An AC10 stays on your DVLA driving record for four years from the date of the offence.

This is different from the period for which a conviction is treated as unspent. For an adult, current rehabilitation period rules for driving endorsements generally give a period of five years from the date of conviction.

Other sentences or orders can affect when a conviction becomes spent, so the exact date can vary.

You can check your driving record online to see current endorsements, points and disqualifications.

Do you need to tell your insurer about an AC10?

When buying, renewing or changing insurance, answer the questions you are asked accurately. Under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, consumers must take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation.

You only need to disclose convictions if you are asked. Spent convictions normally do not need to be disclosed for most insurance purposes.

If you receive an AC10 while a policy is running, check the policy terms. Reporting requirements can vary.

The accident itself is separate. You should report an accident to your insurer even if you do not plan to make a claim.

Incorrect information can affect a policy or claim. The Financial Ombudsman Service explains how misrepresentation can affect insurance.

What should you prepare before applying?

Have accurate information ready. You may be asked for:

• the AC10 code and offence date
• the conviction date and number of points
• details of any fine or driving ban
• details of the accident and any related claim
• your wider claims and conviction history
• your driving licence and no-claims bonus details
• vehicle details, mileage and vehicle use

If you are unsure about dates or points, check your DVLA record rather than guessing. Our article on why accurate details matter when getting a car insurance quote explains why this matters.

Getting insured after an AC10 with Got You Covered

At Got You Covered, we arrange specialist car insurance for drivers with motoring convictions, previous claims and low no-claims bonus. We can also arrange van insurance for drivers with more complex histories.

If you have an AC10, we will ask for the details needed to approach insurers that may consider your circumstances. Price, terms and availability will depend on your full driving and claims history and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.

If a driving ban was imposed, make sure it has ended, and your licence has been restored as required before driving again. When you are ready to discuss your insurance, contact us or start a quote with Got You Covered.

AC10 conviction and insurance FAQs

What does AC10 mean on a driving licence?

AC10 means failing to stop after an accident. It carries 5 to 10 penalty points.

How long does AC10 stay on your driving record?

It stays on a DVLA driving record for four years from the date of the offence.

Can an AC10 lead to a driving ban?

Yes. A court can disqualify a driver depending on the circumstances. If a ban is imposed, you must not drive until it has ended and you are legally entitled to drive again.

Do I have to declare an AC10 to my insurer?

Answer the questions your insurer or broker asks accurately. An unspent conviction may need to be disclosed if the question covers it. Spent convictions normally do not need to be disclosed for most insurance purposes.