DR10 car insurance: cover after a drink-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.
What a DR10 endorsement means and what to check about disclosure and insurance after a ban.
What is a DR10 code?
A motorist who is guilty of a DR10 offence has driven or attempted to drive while above the legal alcohol limit.
Source: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6232205/drink-driving-car-insurance
Do you get disqualified for drunk driving?
Driving or attempting to drive over the legal alcohol limit normally leads to a ban of at least one year, with a longer minimum for a repeat conviction within ten years. The court considers the offence and circumstances; the alcohol reading is not the only factor. Check the official penalties guidance and the rules for your jurisdiction.
An eligible drink-drive rehabilitation course must be offered through the court process. It is not an automatic discount on the ban.
Compare cover as well as price
Compare cover, excess, exclusions, payment terms and total price. Answer the insurer’s questions accurately.
A comparison does not guarantee a saving or an offer of insurance.
Advertisement. MoneyNerd introduces enquiries to Quotezone and may receive a referral fee. Prices, cover and acceptance depend on your circumstances and the insurer.
Can I still get my car insured?
Contact the insurer promptly about the ban and ask what cover remains for the vehicle and other named drivers. A ban does not automatically void every policy for everyone, but you must not drive while disqualified. Do not stop payments without checking the insurance and any finance agreement.
Suitable cover may be available for the vehicle or another driver. In Great Britain, keeping a car off the road normally requires a SORN if it will be uninsured.
Advertisement. MoneyNerd introduces enquiries to Quotezone and may receive a referral fee. Prices, cover and acceptance depend on your circumstances and the insurer.
What is the penalty?
The consequences of getting convicted of a DR10 offence are summarised in the table below:
| Conviction code | Offence | Penalty points | Duration conviction remains on your licence |
| DR10 | Attempting to drive or driving with an alcohol level above the legal limit | 3-11 penalty points | 11 years from the date of the driving conviction |
How much more expensive will it be?
There is no fixed percentage or cash increase that applies to everyone. Insurers consider the offence, driving history, vehicle, address, use and other factors. A historic average cannot predict your quote, and some insurers may decline. Compare current personalised quotes for suitable cover.
Compare insurance quotes with Quotezone
Use Quotezone to compare insurance quotes. Prices, cover and acceptance depend on your circumstances and the insurer.
Advertisement. MoneyNerd introduces enquiries to Quotezone and may receive a referral fee.
How long does it affect insurance?
Take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions accurately about unspent convictions, points and bans. Check the policy for changes you must report before renewal. Spent convictions generally do not need to be disclosed for ordinary motor insurance, even when asked. If the question or your conviction’s status is unclear, get advice before answering.
Driving-record retention and the period before a conviction becomes spent are different. The sentence, your age and the relevant UK jurisdiction matter. The end of a ban or removal of an endorsement does not automatically settle the disclosure question. See the official rehabilitation guidance for England and Wales; check the separate rules for Scotland or Northern Ireland where relevant.
What is the least expensive car to insure after a ban?
No model is universally cheapest for a driver with DR10. Compare personalised quotes for the actual car and required use before buying it.
