Can I get car insurance with a criminal record?

Yes, you can always get car insurance, even if you have a criminal record. However, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get it from a standard insurance company. You can turn to an insurance company that specializes in high-risk policies. However, there are additional conditions attached to taking out car insurance with these companies, such as a higher premium. We’ll explain how you can still get car insurance even with a criminal record.

I have been denied car insurance because of my criminal record

An insurer asks about your criminal history to determine how reliable you are. When deciding whether or not to issue a car insurance policy, the insurer tries to assess the level of moral hazard. Moral hazard is essentially the risk that someone will be less careful because they know they will receive compensation anyway. In the case of car insurance, for example, this could mean that someone drives much faster and less carefully because they know they’ll be compensated for any damage anyway.

Based on underwriting questions, the insurer determines whether or not to issue a policy. For example, they assess whether your criminal history is relevant to the type of insurance you’re applying for. Have you had your license revoked in the past, for instance due to alcohol abuse? If so, you’re considered too high a risk for most insurance companies, and there’s a good chance they won’t accept you. If the insurance company does accept your application, certain conditions will apply, such as a higher premium.

Am I required to disclose my criminal record when purchasing auto insurance?

Yes, you are required to disclose your criminal history if the insurer asks for it. The insurer does not have access to your criminal record. Unless you tell them, they will not know anything about your criminal history. In that case, they also have no way of assessing the risk they are taking on. That is why it is important that you do not withhold any information about your criminal history. Doing so would constitute insurance fraud.

What are the consequences if I don't mention it on my insurance application?

As soon as the insurance company discovers that you have withheld information, they can cancel your car insurance immediately. You will then lose your right to compensation in the event of damage or an accident. The choice shouldn’t be difficult: even with a criminal record, the insurance company may still accept you, depending on the type of offense on your record. If you are registered as a fraudster, no regular insurance company will accept you. You will then automatically be directed to the insurance company De Vereende. This does involve additional costs, such as paying the premium in advance, a security deposit, and a higher premium.