Your criminal record can impact your ability to get car insurance. Depending on the situation, it might make it more expensive or more restrictive. In some cases, you might not be able to get cover at all.
Some tips:
Always be honest. While it's tempting to stretch the truth, doing so could void your insurance.
Expect a higher price. It's likely you'll pay more for a policy so be flexible with your budget if possible.
Be patient. It'll probably take a bit longer to find a policy. If you can't find one now, you might have to wait until your ban or conviction is a few years old.
Can I get car insurance after a drink driving ban?
We requested quotes from 11 car insurance brands and found seven would offer cover to our hypothetical driver previously charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Provider
Cover offered
Quote
Budget Direct
✅
$2,008.28
Qantas Comprehensive
❌
❌
Australia Post
✅
$2,407.86
QBE
✅
$3,414.30
Coles
✅
$1,876.76
Kogan
✅
$2,962.89
Woolworths
❌
❌
ahm
❌
❌
NRMA
✅
$1,983.31
AAMI
✅
$2,247.99
Bingle
❌
❌
These quotes were retrieved in August 2023, using the details of a 30-year-old man who had been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in January 2023 and his license suspended for three months. The car was a 2018 Toyota Corolla.
Can I get car insurance with a criminal conviction?
This depends on the nature of your criminal conviction and when the incident took place.
We requested quotes from 11 car insurance brands and found only two would offer cover to our hypothetical driver with a previous conviction for bodily harm.
Provider
Cover offered
Quote
Budget Direct
❌
❌
Qantas Comprehensive
❌
❌
Australia Post
❌
❌
QBE
❌
❌
Coles
✅
$1,876.76
Kogan
❌
❌
Woolworths
❌
❌
ahm
❌
❌
NRMA
✅
$1,983.31
AAMI
❌
❌
Bingle
❌
❌
These quotes were retrieved in August 2023, using the details of a 30-year-old man who had been charged with bodily harm in January 2023. The car was a 2018 Toyota Corolla.
Request quotes from car insurance brands
Of the providers researched, we found the following brands were the most likely to offer coverage to someone with a drink driving or criminal conviction. Remember, we used a specific, hypothetical driver profile. Your own profile will differ, as will your ability to get cover.
1 - 7 of 7
The time since your criminal conviction and the nature of your criminal conviction will influence whether you are offered cover or not.
The only way to know 100% that you can or can't get cover is by requesting quotes using your own personal information. Good luck!
Car insurance companies that don't ask for criminal convictions
All 11 car insurance brands that we contacted asked for information about criminal convictions.
However, this might not rule you out of cover immediately. The decision will depend on the nature of your conviction, when it was committed, and the insurer's particular approach.
Can car insurance companies see my driving or criminal record?
Insurers in Australia do not typically have access to your criminal or driving history. However, it's essential to be forthright about one's history when applying for car insurance, as dishonesty can lead to policy termination or denial of a claim. Insurers often have underwriting guidelines which they use to decide whether they would or would not extend cover to a person. It's always in a potential policyholder's best interest to understand their rights and the extent of the information insurance companies can access in their particular jurisdiction. Providing a clear picture ensures that consumers make informed decisions and maintain trust in the insurance process.
You have a legal obligation (called the duty of good faith) to be honest with insurance companies. Do not be tempted to lie about your driving or criminal history.
If you do, and you're later found out, your insurance could be deemed void and your cover cancelled.
How to check your own driving history
To check your driving history, you will have to contact the relevant authority in your state.
In NSW - Request a driving record via Service NSW
In QLD - Apply for your traffic history via Department of Transport and Main Roads
In VIC - Apply for your driver history via Service Victoria
In SA - Apply for a driver's licence history report via Service SA
In WA - Apply for a traffic infringement notice record via the WA Police Force
In NT - Apply for a driver licence history from the Motor Vehicle Registry.
In TAS - Apply for the release of licence details via Service Tasmania.
In the ACT - Apply for a licence history search via Access Canberra
How does a criminal record affect car insurance?
Depending on the nature or your conviction and when it happened, you might find some insurance companies won't offer you a policy and those that do might charge more. In some cases, your criminal record might not impact your ability to get insurance or the cost of a policy. However, in others it can severely limit your options or remove them altogether.
The best way to find out how your criminal record will impact car insurance is by requesting quotes from multiple insurers.
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Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds. See full bio
Nicola's expertise
Nicola has written 237 Finder guides across topics including:
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Personal insurance, including car, health, home, life, pet and travel insurance
James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
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James has written 255 Finder guides across topics including:
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