Banned from Driving? Car Insurance after a conviction in the last 3 years

Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes those mistakes can cost us in the long run, not just figuratively but literally. A major cost for all drivers is car insurance, and unfortunately that cost can increase exponentially if a recent conviction is on your record. From speeding to drunk driving convictions, thousands of unlucky people every year are facing the challenge of getting a car insurance premium that they can afford. Not only can insurance companies increase your premium, but some choose to decline those with a previous driving ban altogether. However, there is hope for those who find themselves in this situation.

Special Policies

The first place to start is with more of a specialist insurance company. While it might be your first inclination to run to the biggest insurer out there, many times they are much tougher on past offenders than a smaller company. Some specialist insurance companies also offer policies that are specific to your conviction. Considering that nearly 85,000 people are convicted of drunk driving each year, the drink driver policies are some of the more common ones out there.

Options to Pay Less

Once you have found a company that will insure you and a policy that fits your situation, research some of the options that will give you more power in lowering your premium. Many companies will reward you for good behavior prior to your conviction. If you have a previous policy with no claims on it they will often reduce your premium after a conviction. The key is that this policy has to be within the past two years before the offense to count.

Often times these mistakes follow us not just for a few years, but for quite some time. For example, a drunk driving offense can stay on your record for up to eleven years. If you have the time, taking a course to remove the offense from your record is actually the best way to reduce your costs. Even if the course seems expensive upfront, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Willing Insurance Companies

There are countless companies out there willing to insure someone with a past conviction. Many of their websites offer very specific information about their conviction policies. Your Motor Insurance is a company with an extensive website answering all of your insurance questions. They even spell out which convictions they are able to insure. Adrian Flux is another insurance company that advertises the ability to insure anyone, regardless of their past.

Educate Yourself

A conviction on your record does not have to be the end of affordable car insurance. There are options available to you; you just have to find them. Whatever you decide to do, the best thing is to always be educated. Know what is available to you, figure out your best options, and start hunting for what you need.