Car Insurance & Convictions

Cougar_fan

Hey all,

A few days ago I phoned up to get quotes on a Ford Cougar and they asked me about previous convictions, any previous driving convictions? and I said no and they asked me "have you got any convictions not related to driving?" I said no but then asked the reason why they wanted to know that information. The woman on the other end of the phone told that for example if you've been convicted of assault then your insurance quote is likely to be higher because they might regard you as a aggressive driver whos more likely to cause road rage and accidents. is this true? Just to let you all know I don't have any convictions of any kind i'm just astonished as to all the different ways and means insurance companies will try to get our hard earned cash.

Tommo

FlameCloud

Its all about risk. Criminal convictions (rightly or wrongly) are percieved as a higher risk.

As you point out, an assualt conviction could mean you are more aggressive, hence will potentially cause a bigger accident because you were trying to prove a point etc.

iceicebaby

Statistics show that people with certain types of non driving convictions are a higher risk which is why they ask about convictions

mattymoo

Convictions for any kind of fraud are also frowned upon and you will find it very difficult to obtain insurance.

Phirefly

On the subject of car insurance silliness, I work as a graphic designer for a clothing manufacturer. I use my car to drive to work and back like all the other motorists on my commute. However, If I tell insurers I work 'in fashion' my premium goes through the roof. Apparently this is because I will be driving models about, despite the fact I'm not even covering myself for business miles. Next time I see Kate Moss here on Knighton Fields Industrial Estate I'll be sure to offer her a lift :rolleyes:

RibAd

Cougar_fan wrote: »

Hey all,

A few days ago I phoned up to get quotes on a Ford Cougar and they asked me about previous convictions, any previous driving convictions? and I said no and they asked me "have you got any convictions not related to driving?" I said no but then asked the reason why they wanted to know that information. The woman on the other end of the phone told that for example if you've been convicted of assault then your insurance quote is likely to be higher because they might regard you as a aggressive driver whos more likely to cause road rage and accidents. is this true? Just to let you all know I don't have any convictions of any kind i'm just astonished as to all the different ways and means insurance companies will try to get our hard earned cash.

Tommo

It would be standard to be asked about criminal convictions.... and often there is a clause in insurance that states material facts such as convictions (criminal or otherwise) need to be disclosed and failure to do so would result in the insurance being invalid.

asea

dnorris01 wrote: »

Insurers view people with criminal convictions as a higher 'moral hazard' this menas they are more likely to make fraudulent claims or exaggerated claims.

This is backed up with statistics, however it is harsh on many people who have minor convictions for really tame offences.

For example someone who dodged a fare on the underground & got a minor £100 fine will need to disclose this for 5 years & will find that over 90% of insurers will decline- not really because he is a bad risk but because their underwriting is black & white- any kind of non motoring ocnviciton is declined.

This is why it is best to go to a specialist broker who deals with this kind of business- for example www.insurableuk.com specialise pureley in insurance for ex offenders or those with criminal convictions.

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