DG10 car insurance: cover after a drug-driving conviction
The information in this article is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
The information in this article is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
A DG10 endorsement means driving or attempting to drive with a drug level above the legal limit. It does not mean that someone was killed. Causing death by careless driving with a drug level above the limit has a different code, DG60.
What do DG10, DG40 and DG60 mean?
- DG10: driving or attempting to drive above the specified drug limit; the penalty-point range is 3–11 and the endorsement remains for 11 years from conviction.
- DG40: being in charge of a vehicle above the specified drug limit; 10 points, normally recorded for four years from the offence, or conviction if disqualified.
- DG60: causing death by careless driving above the specified drug limit; 3–11 points, recorded for 11 years from conviction.
These are the endorsement details in the GOV.UK code list. A drug-driving conviction can also involve disqualification and other penalties. You must not drive while banned, and must meet the licensing requirements before driving again.
Can you get insurance after a DG10 conviction?
Cover may be available once you are legally entitled to drive again, although some insurers may decline and quotes may be higher. Acceptance and price depend on the insurer, your conviction and driving history, vehicle, address, use and other circumstances. There is no fixed premium increase for DG10.
Compare mainstream and specialist options. “Convicted driver insurance” is a description used by providers, not a guarantee of acceptance or a separate legal class of cover. Obtain quotes for the actual car before committing to buy it.
How long must you disclose the conviction?
Answer the insurer’s questions accurately about unspent convictions, points and bans, including those of other named drivers. Check the policy for changes you must report during the year. Spent convictions generally do not need to be disclosed for ordinary motor insurance, even when asked. If you are unsure whether a conviction is spent, get advice before answering.
How can points affect car insurance?
| Factor | What it means for your quote |
|---|---|
| Penalty points and convictions | There is no fixed percentage increase that applies to every driver. Insurers assess the offence, its date and your wider circumstances. |
| Cover and excess | Compare the cover, excesses, exclusions and payment terms as well as the price. |
| Insurer criteria | Quotes and acceptance vary. A comparison does not guarantee a saving or an offer of insurance. |
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The time an endorsement remains on your driving record is different from the time a conviction takes to become spent. The sentence, your age and the relevant UK jurisdiction matter; a driving ban ending does not automatically make the conviction spent. See the official rehabilitation guidance for England and Wales, and check the rules for Scotland or Northern Ireland if applicable.
What if you give incorrect information?
Tell the insurer promptly if an answer was wrong. The consequences depend on the circumstances and the applicable insurance rules; an error does not automatically make every policy void. The Financial Ombudsman explains how these disputes are assessed.
Comparing suitable cover
Compare the premium, compulsory and voluntary excess, cover limits, exclusions and any instalment interest. A specialist broker may help, but no insurer or comparison service is the cheapest for everyone. Only add a named driver who will genuinely drive the car, and identify the main driver accurately. Choose an excess you could afford to pay.
For more guidance, see car insurance after a driving conviction. This is general information; the provider must confirm what its policy covers.
