Car insurance quotes and criminal convictions

Factor25

I am just getting some insurance quotes for my son. Does anyone know whether a Section 5 public disorder (£60 fine) would have to be declared as a criminal conviction? Most people I have spoken to say no as its very minor but I dont want to give mis-information.

scatz

Is it actually a 'conviction' though. I would have thought that was just classed as a fine! I personnally wouldn't bother putting it down. Insurance companies are mainly looking for people that have convictions for motoring offences and or dishonesty (they don't wanna be scammed you see).

oldbill1969

He has been found guilty in a Court of Law, definately a criminal conviction, albeit a minor one on the scale of things. As to the advice to not putting it down, its up to you however if you need to make a claim it could end up biting you on the backside.

Factor25

Yes he did go to court, so I suppose it is a criminal conviction. I just hope that it doesnt put the premium up, but as you say it would probably come out in the event of a claim.

oldbill1969

I've got to be honest I would find it very surprising if it effected the premium you pay, as scatz has stated they are more interested in the dishonesty and motoring convictions so in my view its best to be upfront. In the event that you make a claim(hope you don't have too) you won't get stressed out wondering if they will find out that you failed to disclose something and deny a claim.

dag_2

I am just getting some insurance quotes for my son. Does anyone know whether a Section 5 public disorder (£60 fine) would have to be declared as a criminal conviction?

My advice is to try getting two quotes from one or more insurance provider - one with the conviction, and one without. See if it makes any difference to the quote.

Like oldbill says, I'd be surprised if it makes a significant difference. If it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever, then there's no reason not to put the details through when you apply for the insurance.

Bear in mind that if you don't give the details, though, like oldbill says, there's a risk that claims will be disallowed. You might get away with it, but then again, you might not. Then again, what's the point in getting insurance if you think they might not pay your claim?

The worst thing I can imagine happening is to be caught "driving without insurance" on the grounds that the insurance is invalid. I don't know how likely this is to happen, and I don't know what the penalty would be for it either. I'd advise you to find out and factor it into the decision.

vaio

It’s easy, if they ask about convictions then you have to tell them.

I think the insurance companies logic is that convictions give a guide to the character of their clients.

Throw in some actuarial results which shows for instance that people with drunk & disorderly convictions are likely to drink & drive or people with public disorder convictions are likely to get cars vandalised and you can see why they ask about convictions

Keith

Hi Daniel,

Advertising isn't allowed, and after a year I hope the OP has found insurance.

I will report your post, as it is clear from the whois for that website that you own it