What is an IN10 conviction, and how does it affect car insurance?
IN10 is the UK endorsement code for using a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks. It carries 6–8 penalty points, a £300 fixed penalty or an unlimited court fine, possible disqualification, and police can seize the car. The endorsement usually stays on your licence for 4 years from the offence date (from conviction if you were banned). You must declare it while it's unspent, typically 5 years from conviction. Insurers treat IN10 as a red flag, because it suggests you might drive uninsured again, so expect a significant loading and fewer mainstream quotes. See car insurance with points on your licence and our hub on car insurance for high-risk and convicted drivers.
- 6–8 points from a single offence is enough to revoke a new driver's licence (see 6 points in your first 2 years).
- Penalties: a £300 fixed penalty or an unlimited fine, possible disqualification, and vehicle seizure.
- On your licence for 4 years. Declare it while unspent, typically 5 years from conviction for adults.
- Fronting (a false main driver) can also produce an IN10, because the policy can be treated as void (see named driver with a conviction).
- If you crash while uninsured, you can be personally liable for the third party's losses (see what happens if you crash without insurance).
How People End Up With an IN10
• Driving a car you aren't insured on, assuming your own policy's 'driving other cars' cover applies when it doesn't. See does car insurance cover rental cars and can I insure a car not in my name.
• A voided policy after non-disclosure or fronting.
• Driving during a ban: any cover you hold isn't valid for a disqualified driver.
How an IN10 Affects Your Premium
It doesn't matter that you thought you were insured. If no valid policy covered you, the offence is committed. See is it against the law to drive without insurance.
Declaring It and Moving On
Illustrative Case: The Failed Direct Debit
Scenario: Jamal's direct debit failed after he changed banks, and his insurer cancelled the policy after sending notices to an old email address. Three weeks later, an ANPR camera flagged his car as uninsured.
Resolution & Judicial Outcome: He accepted a £300 fixed penalty and 6 points (IN10), and paid release fees to recover the seized car. His next premium rose from £690 to about £1,050 with a specialist insurer. He now keeps continuous cover and checks the Motor Insurance Database whenever he renews.
What You Should Do: Step-by-Step Action Plan
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming 'driving other cars' cover applies automatically.
- Ignoring cancellation notices.
- Driving during a ban.