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 recordWhy 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.
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.
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.
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.
Getting insurance with a criminal record
Are you rejected because of your criminal record? Then there are usually 2 more options:
1
A policy with De Vereende
The Vereende specializes in insuring special-risk people, including those with criminal records. You often pay a higher premium and additional conditions sometimes apply, but at least you are insured.
2
Additional conditions or restrictions
Some insurers will accept you, but have additional requirements. Consider:
- Higher premium or deductible
- Exclusions for certain claims
- Security or behavioral requirements
One criminal record is not the other
It is important to know if your criminal record will affect the insurance you want to purchase.
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.
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.
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.
Insurance where you can be denied with a criminal record
Car insurance with criminal record
Getting car insurance with a criminal record is especially difficult if you have been convicted of drunk driving or road rage in the past. Insurers regard you as a high risk. Still, there are possibilities, for example through De Vereende. Take into account a high premium and stricter conditions.
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.
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.
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. Even if your criminal record has expired, you must report to an application for up to 8 years after the event. In doubt? Then apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) to prove your trustworthiness.
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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