Which Insurance Companies do not ask about Criminal Convictions? – Top 10 Car Insurance Companies In UK

Getting car insurance when you’ve got a criminal record can be daunting. Many drivers aren’t sure whether they must disclose spent or unspent convictions. This post helps you to find out which insurance companies do not ask about criminal convictions, especially for the top 10 car insurance companies in the UK, and guides convicted drivers on finding fair cover.

“If an insurer doesn’t ask about a conviction, you don’t have to tell them” – Unlock (UK charity for ex-offenders).

We’ll also examine convicted driver insurance, car insurance after a criminal record, and UK motor insurance for ex-offenders, to help you navigate comparison sites, mainstream providers, and specialist brokers.

What is considered a criminal conviction when applying for car insurance in the UK?

What’s the difference between spent and unspent convictions?

Unspent convictions are those still within their rehabilitation period—the time during which you’re legally required to disclose them. These must be declared if the insurer asks, and failing to do so could invalidate your policy.

Spent convictions, by contrast, are considered “in the past” after the rehabilitation period expires:

• Even if questioned, you are not required to reveal them.

• Insurers are legally not allowed to use spent convictions to refuse cover or increase premiums

• The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 makes it illegal for insurers to discriminate based on spent convictions

The length of rehabilitation varies according on the sentence, for instance:

• • A fine is usually spent after 1 year

  • Community orders typically become spent after 1 year

  • 4-year prison terms are never completed.

Are all types of convictions relevant to insurers?

No, not all convictions are relevant—but it depends on what questions the insurer asks:

✅ Motoring convictions (e.g. speeding, driving under the influence) are always relevant and usually stay on your record for 4 to 11 years.
✅ Non-motoring convictions only need to be declared if the insurer explicitly asks for them and they are unspent.

❌ If they don’t enquire about any convictions or spent convictions, you don’t have to offer information.

What laws govern disclosure in car insurance?

Two key laws regulate how criminal convictions are handled in UK car insurance applications:

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

• permits most convictions to expire after a predetermined amount of time.

• Makes it unlawful for insurers to discriminate based on spent convictions

• Protects ex-offenders from having to disclose old offences when applying for cover

Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012

• • Insurers must ask clear and specific questions about what they want to know

  • You are only legally required to disclose what is asked in clear language

  • You don’t have to notify anyone if they don’t enquire about your non-motoring convictions.

Which insurance companies do not ask about criminal convictions in the UK?

Searching for car insurance with a criminal record can be stressful—but not all insurers treat convictions the same. Some UK insurance companies ask only about motoring offences, while others want details on all unspent convictions. Understanding who asks what can save you time, stress, and money.

Do mainstream insurers skip non-motoring convictions?

Yes—many well-known insurers do not ask about non-motoring convictions. Brands like Churchill, Direct Line, and Privilege, all owned by the Direct Line Group, usually limit their application questions to motoring offences only.

• They focus on speeding points, drink driving bans, and other driving-related issues

• Unspent non-driving convictions like theft, fraud, or assault typically don’t need to be disclosed

• Unless explicitly asked, you’re not legally required to declare non-motoring convictions

How do Direct Line and Privilege compare?

Both Direct Line and Privilege follow the same model as Churchill, using identical underwriting questions.

• They focus on driving history, accident claims, and penalty points

• Serious criminal convictions (like dangerous driving or fraud with insurance) may still require disclosure

“Direct Line don’t usually ask about non-motoring convictions, but they still want to know about major criminal activity.”

Are there insurers that don’t ask any conviction-related question?

No. Every insurer in the UK asks something. However, the type of question and its wording make all the difference.

• All insurers are legally bound under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 to ask clear, relevant questions

• You are not required to reveal non-motoring convictions if they don’t enquire about them.

Can convicted drivers use comparison sites?

Comparison sites like GoCompare, Confused.com, and Compare the Market can be problematic for people with criminal records:

• Many platforms automatically reject quotes when you tick “yes” to a conviction

• Others inflate premiums dramatically or list only specialist insurers

• Non-motoring convictions often lead to “no result” pages or higher quotes

Can I get car insurance if I have a criminal conviction in the UK?

Yes. Many insurers still accept drivers with convictions if:

• The correct questions are asked

• Convictions are unspent and relevant

• You apply directly or via specialist brokers

Do I need to declare a criminal conviction for car insurance?

• You must declare unspent convictions if asked

• If insurers don’t ask about non-motoring convictions, you aren’t required to volunteer them.

What happens if I don’t disclose a conviction to my insurer?

• The insurer can void your policy

• You risk losing cover and having claims refused

• Misrepresentation is seen as insurance fraud

Are motoring convictions treated differently from other criminal offences?

Yes. Most mainstream insurers ask only about motoring offences (points, bans, speeding). They typically ignore wider criminal offences – especially if they don’t explicitly ask.

How long do criminal convictions affect insurance quotes?

• Unspent convictions usually affect premiums for up to 5 years

• Once spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, insurers must ignore them.

Which UK insurers are most lenient with criminal records?

• Churchill, Direct Line, Privilege, LV= typically only ask motoring questions.

• Specialists like Adrian Flux Fairplay and brokers (Think, Sale Insurance) serve ex-offenders

Do any insurers ignore convictions after a certain time?

• Spent convictions legally cannot be used by insurers—even if you disclose them

• Some policies still ask in documentation, but they should not affect underwriting.

Is it illegal to lie about convictions on insurance applications?

Yes. With insurance based on utmost good faith, misrepresentation may invalidate your policy and lead to legal consequences.

Who are the top 10 car insurance companies in the UK for convicted drivers?

What specialist insurers provide cover for criminal convictions?

Adrian Flux – FairPlay for Ex-Offenders

Adrian Flux is one of the UK’s best-known brokers for convicted driver insurance.

• ✅ FairPlay scheme: Designed for all conviction types—motoring or criminal.

• 📞 Phone-based quoting: Preferred so underwriters can assess context fairly.

• ❌ No instant rejections: Every case is considered individually.

• 🚗 Good for: Drink driving bans, drug offences, theft, or repeat convictions.

• 🛡️ Policy options: Classic cars, modified vehicles, and van cover included.

Think Insurance

Think Insurance specialises in providing convicted drivers with affordable policies without judgment.

• 🎯 Targeted service: Focused on high-risk or banned drivers returning to the road.

• 📝 Underwriting: Tailored policies based on conviction type, licence status, and risk level.

• 🧾 Extra services: Helps with licence reinstatement and court-related queries.

• 🔄 Flexible premiums: Adjusted based on driver improvements or monitoring.

Clean Green Cars

Clean Green Cars combines eco-conscious cover with social responsibility.

• 🌱 Green focus: Specialises in environmentally friendly vehicles.

• 🔄 Conviction-friendly: Willing to work with reformed drivers with unspent records.

• 💡 Why unique: Mixes sustainability with second-chance insurance support.

• 🚙 Policy range: Includes EVs, hybrids, and standard low-emission vehicles.

Sale Insurance Services

Sale Insurance Services is a traditional broker with a personal, manual approach.

• 📞 Direct advice: You speak to a real advisor—not just fill out a form.

• 🗂️ Best for: Complex conviction histories, multiple offences, or disqualifications.

• 🤝 Why it works: No black-and-white rules—each case is manually underwritten.

• 🧠 Reputation: Trusted for over 30 years in high-risk driver coverage.

What strategies help convicted drivers reduce their car insurance premiums?

• Install a black box (telematics) to show you drive safely.
• Select a car with a smaller engine that is less dangerous.
• Increase your voluntary excess if financially safe to do so.
• Use specialist brokers rather than comparison sites.
• Develop or safeguard your NCD (no claims discount).

How do criminal convictions affect your insurance claim and renewal?

• Non-disclosure can void your cover entirely.
• Claims may be rejected even if they have nothing to do with your offence.
• Renewals may include new questions—always review documents carefully.

“Failure to disclose can leave you uninsured when you need it most.” – MoneyHelper UK

Conclusion

If you’re asking, “Which insurance companies do not ask about criminal convictions?” the standouts are:

• Privilege, Churchill, and Direct Line: skip enquiring about convictions that do not include driving.
• LV= – mainly focuses on driving, but check renewal questions
• Adrian Flux – ideal for full disclosure and personalised support
• NFU Mutual – flexible but case-dependent

The key is: read the questions carefully, disclose honestly when required, and consider using a broker when in doubt.

FAQs

Do I have to declare a spent conviction for car insurance in the UK?

No, once it’s legally spent, insurers can’t use it against you.

Which UK insurers are best for drivers with unspent convictions?

Churchill, Direct Line, and Privilege don’t ask about non-driving offences. Adrian Flux helps with more serious cases.

Will I lose my insurance if I forget to mention a conviction?

If asked and you didn’t disclose it, yes. The policy could be cancelled.

Can I get insurance after a serious offence like assault or theft?

Yes. Adrian Flux, Sale Insurance and other brokers specialise in these cases.

Are price comparison sites good for convicted drivers?

Not really. They often don’t account for convictions properly. Direct or broker routes are better.