How to Get Car or Van Insurance After a Drink Driving Conviction UK

A drink driving conviction is serious. It affects your licence and your insurance. It may feel like the end of the road, but it isn’t. Many drivers with past convictions get insured again. It can take more time and care, but there are options.

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What Counts as a Drink Driving Conviction?

Drink driving offences are recorded with “DR” codes on your driving licence. The most common code is DR10 (driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the limit). Other alcohol-related codes include:

• DR20 - Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink.
• DR30 - Driving or attempting to drive and refusing to provide a specimen.
• DR40 - In charge of a vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.
• DR50 - In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.
• DR60 - Failure to provide a specimen for analysis (in charge).
• DR70 - Failing to provide a specimen for a breath test (at the roadside).

Key points to know:

• A DR10 endorsement stays on your licence for 11 years from the date of the conviction.
• A ban often starts at 12 months and can be longer.
• You may get penalty points, a fine, and you might be offered a court-ordered     rehabilitation course. Learn more about the Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS).

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How Drink Driving Convictions Affect Insurance

Insurers can take past convictions into account. Drink driving is seen as higher risk, so you may find:

• Higher premiums for a period after the offence.
• Fewer insurers are willing to quote.
• Loss of no-claims bonus in some cases if the ban is for 2 years or more.

Be honest when you apply and give the exact code (such asDR10, DR20, DR30, DR40, DR50, DR60 or DR70) and the dates. Not declaring can invalidate a policy. For what you do—and don’t—need to disclose, see Unlocks simple guide to insurance and convictions.

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Finding Insurance After a Conviction

Some mainstream insurers may decline. Specialist brokers and insurers can still help.

Completing a DDRS course can sometimes reduce the ban and may help an insurer view your risk more positively. Keep your certificate and, if needed, check approved providers via the DVSA list of DDRS areas and course providers.

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Quick Application Checklist

Have these to hand before you get quotes:

1. Your conviction code(s) and offence date(s).
2. Ban length and date the ban ended.
3. Details of any DDRS course completed.
4. No-claims bonus proof (if any).
5. Mileage, vehicle details, and where the vehicle is kept overnight.
6. Any claims or other convictions.

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About Got You Covered

Got You Covered is a UK insurance broker that helps drivers with past convictions, including drink driving.

We can help if:

• You have a DR10 or other drink-related code (DR20, DR30, DR40, DR50, DR60, DR70).
• You’ve had a recent ban or disqualification.
• You have a low or zero no-claims bonus.
• You’re struggling to find quotes on comparison sites.

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Conclusion

A previous drink-driving conviction makes insurance harder, but not impossible. With accurate information, safe driving, and help from a specialist broker, many drivers get back on the road with suitable cover. When you’re ready, visit our Drink Driving Insurance page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy insurance while disqualified?

No. You cannot drive while disqualified, and you cannot hold a policy for road use. If you won’t use the vehicle, you can make a SORN with the DVLA.

Will my insurance always be higher after a conviction?

Not always. Premiums are usually higher at first. If you build a claim-free record and avoid further offences, costs can fall over time.

Are all convictions treated the same?

No. Insurers look at the exact code (for example, DR10 vsDR20), the ban length, the time since the offence, and your driving record since your licence was restored. You can check the official endorsement codes for details.