Drink Driving Insurance

01/04/2025

Lauren McAfee Insurance Editor and Writer

Last Updated: 1 April 2025
Read time: 4 minutes

Written by: Lauren McAfee
Insurance Writer and Editor

Reviewed by: Mark McKeown

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

Getting car insurance after a drink driving ban

When you get back to driving after a drink driving offence, your options for insurance will look a little different. However, its still possible to get cover.

How much does car insurance go up after a drink driving offence?

The average cost of car insurance after a drink driving ban will be much higher than you are used to paying. This is because you have a higher risk of claiming on your insurance, and providers offset this risk with an increased cost.

Does a drink driving conviction limit my insurance options?

Yes. Some insurers have underwriting terms that mean they only cover low-risk drivers. So your list of available insurance providers will be more limited until your conviction is spent.

How long do I have to declare a drink driving conviction to an insurer?

Thanks to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in the UK, you will only have to declare your driving conviction to an insurer for 5 years. This even applies if the conviction is still on your licence.

How much is car insurance after a drink driving ban in the UK?

Just like standard car insurance costs, the price of insurance for convicted drink drivers will be tailored to your unique risk. This is measured by things like your age, the car you are driving, where you live, and your past claims.

However, convicted driver insurance costs will also depend on the exact conviction you have and the number of points you received.

DR10

Attempting to drive over the legal limit.

DR20

Attempting to drive while unfit because of alcohol.

DR30

Attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for testing.

DR31

Attempting to drive then refusing to allow a blood sample to be tested.

DR40

Being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit.

DR50

Being in charge of a vehicle while unfit because of alcohol.

DR60

Failing to supply a specimen for testing following circumstances other than a driving attempt.

DR61

Refusing to allow a blood sample to be tested following circumstances other than a driving attempt.

DR70

Failing to cooperate with a preliminary test.

Depending on your conviction, these endorsements could stay on your licence for a maximum of 11 years, and carry up to 11 points. These are some of the highest points received for any driving convictions in the UK and show the seriousness of the offence.

More serious still is how many people are still ignorant of how alcohol impacts your driving. In a recent survey, 1 in 4 people said they were unaware that you can be caught drink driving the next morning.

How can I get cheap drink driving insurance?

Searching for car insurance after a drink driving ban can be disheartening, but there are some measures you can take that could help your search for a cheaper premium, including:

1. Pay the annual premium

Paying the annual premium rather than monthly instalments could help keep costs down.

2. Taking a drink driving course

You will likely be offered a drink driving course as part of your conviction. This and other advanced driving course could help lower your perceived risk to insurers.

3. Look for black box policies

Black box policies provide insurers with data on your driving habits. If you follow good driving practice, you could be rewarded with discounts.

4. Keep your vehicle safe

Parking your car in a garage or on a private driveway can help lower the risk of theft or damage, meaning the insurer is taking on a lower risk when insuring you.

5. Choose a higher excess

Increasing your voluntary excess could be rewarded with lower premiums. You can see the effects of this when you compare insurance for convicted drink drivers.

6. Choose a vehicle with a low insurance group

If you have the option, it could be beneficial to insure yourself on a vehicle in a lower insurance group.

7. Compare drink driving insurance quotes

Comparing quotes is more important than ever when you have a drink driving conviction. It’s one of the best things you can do to help your search for cheap drink driving insurance policies that don’t break the bank.

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