Insurance for ex-offenders

[pugwash52]

When I contact Insurance Companies for house insurance quotes, one of the standard questions is whether anyone in the household has a criminal record. Does this mean that anyone in that situation is unable to get insurance, or would they have to pay extra?

[theo_wyvern]

may depend on the nature of the offence etc - some companies will still happily quote but perhaps at higher levels

[theo_wyvern]

bear in mind false information may invalidate the insurance and any future claim

[Buenchico]

Where a person already has a household insurance policy at the time when they're first convicted of an offence, the insurance company may decide to continue offering insurance but require a higher premium.

However, when someone with a criminal record attempts to take out a new household policy, he will almost certainly be met with refusal. I know someone who committed a relatively minor (non-custodial) offence which was not a crime involving theft or dishonesty. When he had difficulty in obtaining insurance, I said that I'd help him try to get cover. I assumed that, although he might have to pay a higher premium, there would certainly be someone who would offer insurance. Between us, we phoned every insurance company and broker in the local Yellow Pages. We also scoured the web. Every company simply refused to offer cover. (I believe that he also contacted NACRO, the charity which seeks to help ex-offenders, to see if they could offer any suggestions but without success). This was several years ago and he's now moved away from this area so I don't know whether he was ever able to get insurance prior to his conviction becoming 'spent' but I suspect that he never did.

Chris

[erimus1]

In my experience, insurance companies will look for any way to increase the premium of your policy. Do bare in mind that certainf offences do not have to be disclosed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and so, if you do not declare these, it will not invalidate your insurance.

An insurance contract is called a 'vidousary', whcih means that the parties are obliged by law to disclose anything that might reasonably be perceived to alter the premium - this is ofcourse an objective requirement. The old excuse about insurance companies not asking this or that question would not actually was in law.
Good luck,
Steve

[Carol Anne]

My brother in law is a det. inspector, He says that insurance companies have no access to CRO or the PNC. If the applicant does not disclose or the case had no publicity, how would the insurance company have knowledge of the conviction?

[noxlumos]

I have a conviction which can never be spent as I spent several years in prison (GBH) and for the most part I haven't found huge problems with insurance, I insure via Tradex for my motor trader's policy and my wife deals with house insurance etc. We also both have life insurance/medical insurance.My insurance isn't cheap but whether they load it bc of my convictions I have no idea but I was told the same thing as Carol Ann that insurers have no access to one's criminal records, unfortuneatly after I'd got my quote:(

[pugwash52]

Thanks for interesting points, everyone. Although it doesn't affect us ( no criminal record, but you never know!!! More and more pensioners are refusing to pay percentages of Council Tax and being locked up.), it is something that I've wondered about.It seems very hard that people like noxlumos and chris's friend should continue to be "punished" , when trying to live a normal life.

[LoanArranger]

Always be carefull just what you do tell insurance companies - I'm not suggestion you lie or attempt to defraud but beware, the life offices have always kept a central medical register of negative medical information and do share it between them.

Even back in 1970 this was happening when a pal's girfriend was rejected by one company for life cover because she failed to disclose that she had previously told another life company of a cry for help suicide attempt!

Unless it really is a material fact that would effect the underwriting terms and acceptance of risk I personnaly would not disclose criminal record, especially not minor issues and I agree with the policeman, spot on true and my pal in the force is a Super Duper Intendant - so there!

Remember, insurance companies are bookies, thier actuary takes a look at the risk, considers the odds and decides if they want to bet - but only on terms weigthed in thier favour, when it turns against them they'll try to escape pay out and use any quasi reasonable cluase they can - try to use Friendly Society's, they have a different attitude and the memebrs do actually own them - none do motor though.

[neil@rwl]

I would like to highlight the forgotten problems ex offenders face, and would like to introduce our unique range of insurance products for ex-offenders under our WAYFORWARD range. The average person is bombarded by insurers hungry for their business. It is so easy to overlook the real needs of the ex-offender and the difficult task of finding insurance while fully disclosing convictions.
Sadly, when a claim occurs the insurer will have every right to void the policy and can press for a charge of attempted fraud, which will lead to the person returning to prison.
Whilst in prison, the ex-offender has often gained skills for gainful employment on the outside. On release, they will not be able to start this employment as they cannot legally obtain cover for their vehicle to get to work nor can they obtain liability/business insurance to start their own business. All resources put into the prison training process are therefore wasted. As will your own resources and efforts
Similarly, should the ex-offender return or move in with friends or family, normal household insurance will be invalid. Should they wish to take a holiday or arrange the financial protection of an accident or sickness policy they will be denied cover.
I have arranged this facility at the request and support from our trade association The British Insurers Brokers Association along with ex offender charities. We only use Lloyd�s underwriters and UK insurers.
Kindly also see full details as follows and possibly consider adding a link from your website; we will gladly reciprocate with a link to our page, or at least retain this valuable information on file.
The hyperlink for the Wayforward page is-
http://www.sisa.co.uk/com/busi/WAYFORWARD%20TYPES%20OF%2 0COVER%20AD.htm />Wayforward insurance for ex offenders OFFERING HELP TO THOSE MOST AT NEED,

[neil@rwl]

I notice there is lot of confusion over this subject, as a broker working in this field, I will gladly answer questions corectly rather than various myths. in short it is the legal duty of the policy holder to disclose all convictions, otherwise the insurer will invalidate the policy and has the option to press fraud charges Please contact me [email protected]

to discuss thank you