If you’re being charged with, and likely to be convicted of, driving without insurance, then you’ll get an IN10 endorsement on your driving licence. This can make it difficult to find affordable insurance in the future, with some providers even refusing to offer quotes to drivers with such endorsements. As you can imagine, this is a serious problem, so you’ll need expert help and advice here, especially if you believe you’re being unfairly charged.
Your IN10 conviction
Many drivers find themselves on the sharp end of a driving without insurance charge because they’ve made an honest mistake. They missed a premium payment without realising it, or they didn’t understand what their policy covered.
A good example of not understanding a policy is the business car insurance policy. Many drivers have a domestic and commuting policy and they think this is enough – they drive around in good faith in what is essentially an uninsured vehicle.
Modifications to a vehicle can also invalidate an insurance policy if they’re not declared to the insurance provider. Many people aren’t aware they need to declare any changes they make. It’s always best to stay on the safe side and declare any modifications you make so that you can be sure you’re covered.
Driving without insurance is an absolute offence
This means that there’s no defence against the charge, other than actually being insured and being able to prove it.
The penalties
An IN10 endorsement will stay on your licence for four years and you’ll need to declare it to an insurance provider for five years. You’ll also get six to eight points on your licence, which could mean a totting-up ban.
You could also get a fixed fine – £300 – from the officer who apprehended you. If you end up in court, you could receive a fine of up to £5,000. It’s possible – although unlikely – for first-time offenders to be banned.
The effects of an IN10 endorsement on your car insurance
One good reason to contest your charge if you think it’s unfair is the fact that you’ll find it difficult to get insurance at a reasonable price for several years if you’re convicted. That’s if you can find insurance at all, as many providers will see you as being too high-risk to take on.
If you feel that your charge is incorrect, or you have a good argument, then a team of specialist motoring lawyers could reduce the severity of your punishment. If you fear you won’t be able to afford insurance in the future, you’ll be worried about being able to drive at all, so overturning your charge or reducing the number of points you receive will help a great deal. You can explain to future insurers that you made an honest mistake and they may look more favourably on your application.
Don’t be tempted to cover up your conviction
Even though it’s painful, you must declare your IN10 to insurance providers. If you don’t, you’re not only breaking the law and putting yourself at risk of more fines and legal action, but you’ll invalidate your policy. If you’re stopped again by the police, a complete ban is likely and you’ll have serious trouble finding insurance once the ban is over.
