Getting insurance with a criminal record
Getting insurance with a criminal record is difficult, but certainly not impossible. Insurers see a criminal record as increased risk and may refuse your application. With the right approach, in almost all cases you can get insurance as normal if you have a criminal record.
Getting insurance with criminal recordGetting insurance with a criminal record
Want to get car insurance with a criminal record? Then it is extra important to be honest. Be honest and always mention your criminal record when applying. Being honest about your criminal record will prevent problems afterwards.
Are you being turned down because of your criminal record? This is because a regular insurance company often does not accept applications with a criminal record. In contrast, an insurance company like De Vereende accepts applications from people with criminal records. Then there are usually 2 more options:
1
A policy with De Vereende
The Vereende specializes in insuring people with special risks, including people with criminal records. According to the principle of De Vereende, in principle everyone is accepted, even if you have previously been refused elsewhere.
So you can take out car insurance with the Vereende, even with a criminal record. You often pay a higher premium and sometimes additional conditions apply, but at least you are insured.
2
Additional conditions or restrictions
Some insurers do accept you, but impose additional requirements. With De Vereende, for example, there are a number of conditions you must meet.
Consider:
- Higher premium or deductible
- Exclusions for certain claims
- Security or behavioral requirements
Calculate the premium for your insurance online
Insurance where you can be denied with a criminal record
Do you have a criminal record? This may have consequences if you want to take out these insurance policies.
Car insurance with criminal record
Getting car insurance from regular car insurance companies is often difficult if you have a criminal record, such as after a conviction for drunk driving or road rage. Car insurers then consider you a high risk.
Still, even then there are options: you can purchase car insurance through De Vereende as an alternative. Keep in mind a high premium and stricter conditions.
You can compare different car insurance policies and car insurance companies, even if you have a criminal record. By comparing car insurance policies side by side, you can find a suitable option faster, even in special situations.
Always check your current auto insurance policy for the consequences of a criminal record. Not being honest about your past can lead to discontinuation or rejection of your insurance.
Liability insurance (AVP).
Insurers are cautious about convictions for violence, vandalism or fraud. They want to prevent you from intentionally causing damage or misusing coverage.
Contents insurance
With a criminal record for theft or fraud, an insurer may fear that you are making false claims or are at risk for arson or burglary (by yourself or your network).
Legal expenses insurance
People with criminal records are sometimes excluded, especially if it involved legal conflicts or scams. Insurers fear that you may need legal help more often or abuse procedures.
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Travel Insurance
For crimes abroad such as drug trafficking or violence, an insurer may decide not to insure you for medical care, cancellation or theft. The risk of "forced repatriation" also comes into play.
Life Insurance
If your criminal record has to do with dangerous behavior such as drug use or aggravated assault, it may result in denial or a premium surcharge. Insurers here primarily assess for risk of early death.
Concealing criminal record makes no sense
When you apply for insurance, the insurer does not know if you have a criminal record and cannot see it. But if the insurer asks specifically about it, you must answer honestly. If you conceal this information, you are at great risk.
If the insurer finds out that you have concealed a criminal record, the insurance will stop immediately and you will not be entitled to payment in the event of a claim. In addition, a notation is made in a central database of the CIS Foundation. This makes it virtually impossible to get insurance in the future.
Concealing a criminal history is grounds for CIS registration. Do you knowingly or unknowingly conceal a criminal past? Then insurers see this as a form of insurance fraud, for which you get a CIS registration. All insurers have access to this data.
Insurers have no underwriting obligation
Insurers do not always have to accept your application for insurance. Health insurers are an exception to this, but their obligation to accept only applies to the basic package. For supplementary insurance, insurers may refuse you if they think you run too much risk.
Why a criminal record affects your insurance
Insurers want to minimize the risk of claims or fraud. A criminal record for violence, drugs, fraud or drunk driving, for example, may be a reason for them to look at your application with extra scrutiny.
If you fall into a high-risk group, it poses an additional risk to insurers. Insurers think it may be difficult for you to comply or pay the premium.
Especially with auto insurance or liability insurance, this can affect underwriting or premium levels.
The acceptance questions
Have you been criminally convicted in the last 8 years or have you been in contact with the law as a suspect during that period? Then you are required by law to report this when you want to purchase insurance.
The insurance application asks not only about major offenses, but also about minor offenses and other crimes. It is important to provide complete and honest information when applying for insurance, as inaccurate or missing information may result in policy termination or denial of new insurance.
While applying for auto insurance, the insurer asks a number of underwriting questions. These are standard questions that determine whether you qualify for a policy and under what conditions. The answers to these questions help the insurer assess your risk profile. In case of doubt or risk, the insurer may increase the premium, impose additional conditions or refuse your application.
About your criminal history, for example, they ask, "In the past eight years, have you been in contact with the police or justice system as a suspect? Insurers also ask about:
- Your claim history and claim-free years
- Previous refusals by other insurers
- Criminal convictions or CIS registrations.
Minor violations
Note that if reporting a minor violation is involved, this can sometimes work to your advantage. Especially if the minor offense is not related to driving and it has been some time ago, honestly reporting such an offense can increase your chances of being accepted for your auto insurance.
Effects of a criminal record on your insurance policy
It is important to know if your criminal record will affect the insurance you want to purchase. Insurers look not only at your criminal record when reviewing it, but also at your driving privileges, any disqualifications and other information from your past.
For example, have you been previously convicted of alcohol abuse and received a driving ban for that? Then you are too great a risk for many insurance companies to take out car insurance. If the insurer does accept you, you will pay more premium.
Duration of criminal record registration
A criminal record usually remains registered for 5 years. In some cases longer, depending on the severity of the offense. If you have a conviction that occurred 8 years ago, you usually do not have to report it when applying for auto insurance.
Also, if your criminal record has expired, you must report to an application up to 8 years after the event. The length of the criminal record, on the other hand, matters to the insurer; the longer the period, the greater the impact on your insurance options.
In doubt? Then request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) to prove your reliability. Or contact us. We would be happy to help you get insurance if you have a criminal record.
Frequently asked questions about insurance with criminal record
Can I get insurance with a criminal record?
Yes, you can. You may be refused by regular insurers, but with De Vereende you can always go. Some insurers accept you under certain conditions.
Do I have to report my criminal record when applying for insurance?
Yes, you are legally required to do so if asked in the underwriting questions. If you don't, you risk a CIS registration and possible exclusion from other insurers.
What insurance company accepts people with criminal records?
De Vereende is the insurer of choice for people with criminal records or increased risk. You usually pay more, but can be insured as usual.
How does a criminal record affect auto insurance?
You may be denied coverage or pay a higher premium. Traffic-related convictions (such as driving under the influence) are especially significant.
Can an insurer refuse me if I have been convicted?
Yes, insurers are not obliged to accept you. Only for basic health insurance is there a duty of acceptance.
What if I was previously denied by another insurer?
If so, you must report it with your application. It does not automatically mean a new refusal, but insurers do take it into account in their assessment.
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