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5 Ridiculous Excuses For Drink Driving
Itโs summer, and that means lots of BBQs, beach parties and festivals. It also means that thousands of people will risk driving home when theyโve hadโฆ
Drunk in charge covers DR40 (in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit) and DR50 (in charge while unfit through drink), different from DR10, which specifically requires driving or attempting to drive. Both typically carry 10 penalty points and stay on your licence for 4 years.
โYou donโt have to be driving to be convicted, being in charge of the vehicle while over the limit is enough.โ
The right cover depends on:

DR40 or DR50, which is yours?
DR40 or DR50, which is yours?
Both codes relate to being in charge, not driving, the difference is how impairment was measured.
Both codes relate to being in charge, not driving, the difference is how impairment was measured.

DR40
In charge of a vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

DR50
In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.

DR10
Driving with alcohol above the limit, based on a specimen actually provided.

DR90
The drug-driving equivalent, in charge while unfit through drugs.

DR30
If you refused to provide a specimen while driving or attempting to drive.

Not Sure Which Applies?
Check your exact code and points on your DVLA driving record.
What could go wrong and what covers it?
What could go wrong and what covers it?
The situations drivers with a drunk in charge conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasnโt declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.
The situations drivers with a drunk in charge conviction worry about most are being refused cover, paying far more than before, and a claim being questioned because the conviction wasnโt declared properly. The right policy deals with all three.


This type of cover may be suitable at any stage after a DR40 or DR50 conviction.
This cover may be suitable for:
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
Real-world scenarios. Real-world cover
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a drunk in charge conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
These are the everyday situations we see for drivers with a drunk in charge conviction, and the cover that responds in each case.
Renewal after conviction
Your policy is due for renewal after your DR40 or DR50.
What typically happens
Premium increases, specialist insurer may be needed
Non-disclosure
You donโt tell a new insurer about your conviction.
What you should do
Policy can be voided entirely
Confusion with DR10
Youโre unsure whether your code is DR10 or DR40/DR50.
What typically happens
Check your exact code with the DVLA before applying
Repeat conviction
You receive a second in-charge conviction.
What typically happens
Treated more seriously, cover may be harder to find
Drunk in charge insurance is usually priced lower than a drink driving conviction because you werenโt driving, but insurers still look at the reading, any ban or points, and how recently it happened.
Whether your code is DR40 or DR50
Each is assessed on its own circumstances.
Your driving history overall
A clean record before the conviction may help your case.
How long ago it happened
More recent convictions are generally viewed as higher risk.
Level of cover chosen
Third party, third party fire & theft or comprehensive cover all affect price differently.
Number of points received
A higher points total can affect your premium.
How you use your vehicle
Personal or work-related driving can be assessed differently.
DR40/DR50 compared to related codes
DR40/DR50 compared to related codes
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
A quick reference, always confirm your exact code and points with the DVLA.
| Code | Offence | Typical penalty | Duration on licence |
|---|---|---|---|
DR40 | In charge, alcohol above the limit | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DR50 | In charge, unfit through drink | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DR10 | Driving with alcohol above the legal limit | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
DR90 | In charge, unfit through drugs | 10 points, ban possible | 4 years |
DR30 | Refusing a specimen while driving | 12 month ban minimum | 11 years |
TT99 | Totting up, 12+ points in 3 years | 6 month ban minimum | 4 years |

How the quote process works
How the quote process works
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Simple steps. Expert advice. The right cover for your business.
Tell us about your drunk in charge conviction
The code, the date, and whether you received points or a ban.
Tell us about you and your vehicle
Your age, driving history, and the vehicle you want to insure.
We find insurers who accept it
Drunk in charge is treated seriously by insurers. We go to the specialists who quote for it.
Get insured again
We explain your options clearly and arrange cover that matches your record.
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
Trusted by thousands of drivers across the UK
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From a single penalty point to a full disqualification, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
Drunk in charge insights & guides
Drunk in charge insights & guides
Practical advice on DR40, DR50 and the difference from driving offences.
Practical advice on DR40, DR50 and the difference from driving offences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about drunk in charge insurance and DR40/DR50.
Find quick answers to common questions about drunk in charge insurance and DR40/DR50.
Drunk in charge covers DR40 and DR50, given when someone is in charge of a vehicle while over the limit or unfit through drink, without necessarily driving it.