Can I Get Public Liability Insurance With A Criminal Record?
Whether you can get public liability insurance depends on each insurance company and its policies. Apart from that, many other details are taken into account, such as the details of your criminal activity. A few insurance companies do allow people with criminal records to have insurance in certain circumstances. So, the answer to the question ‘can I get public liability insurance with a criminal record?’ is yes and no, both, as it will all depend on the situation you’re in.
If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of business insurance, you can do so here .
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Can I Get Public Liability Insurance With A Criminal Record?
Firstly, What is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement; however, it is a type of insurance that can cover the cost and protect your business against any claim made by a customer or client for physical injuries, property damage, etc.
The price of getting public liability insurance depends on many factors, such as the type of business you’re doing and the daily risk associated with it.
What does public liability insurance cover?
Public liability insurance can be very beneficial as it protects your business and covers the cost of the legal fees, repairing fees, and even hospital fees claimed against you.
What counts as a criminal conviction?
A criminal conviction can be considered as small as being fined for littering, wrong parking, or as big as assault. All types of offences matter. However, it depends on whether your conviction is “spent” or “unspent”. The term “spent” conviction means the one that has been removed from your records Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, for example, if you have already paid for your speeding ticket. An unspent conviction means that the offence will still show up in your records as the time or fine for it hasn’t been fulfilled yet.
Is it necessary to declare your criminal record when claiming insurance?
If you’ve been asked for your criminal records, then it’s necessary to disclose whatever crime you have been involved in unless it’s been removed from your records. Also, when being asked to disclose your past criminal history, do not forget to get a written confirmation of whatever you’ve told the insurance company. If you weren’t asked for your records, make sure to read the terms and conditions properly as some companies mention them there.
What could happen if I disclose an unspent conviction?
Depending on the insures, your request might be approved for getting insurance; however, it’s also very possible to be rejected or charged more than what a person with no criminal record would’ve.
What could happen if I do not declare an unspent conviction when asked?
You’re not protected as the insurance company can easily cancel your insurance if they find out later about your criminal offences. Even if they don’t find out, you’ll be acting illegally.
Will having a criminal record affect getting insurance?
Getting insurance can be a complicated process if you have a record of an unspent criminal offence. When you’re buying insurance, regardless of the company, there is a 99% chance of being asked if you have any criminal record and not just yours. They can ask about everyone’s criminal track record, covered in the insurance. So it’s highly likely that you will be refused insurance if you’re known to have criminal convictions.
If you haven’t been asked about your criminal history, then it’s possible your insurer expects you to tell it yourself and may assume that you don’t if you don’t tell them. Do not mistake hiding your criminal record as a straightforward search can show your history up. The insurance you’ll get will be void, and the insurance company will not pay any claim made against you and your business if you lie about your criminal records.
The insurance premium amount depends on the level of risk that the company expects from its employees. The higher the risk, the higher the premium. For example, if you have a criminal record, there will be an increased risk, so your premium will also be higher.
If you’re someone who’s known to have a criminal record, the chances of getting public liability insurance reduce significantly. That being said, someone with a criminal history can get the insurance they’re looking for.
Can I Get Public Liability Insurance With A Criminal Record? To Conclude
An insurance broker is someone who can help you find the right insurance company as they’ll know what you can be offered by companies regarding your circumstances. So starting with getting a hold of an insurance broker would be an intelligent choice. Some insurance companies have policies that allow people with criminal convictions to have insurance; however, these personalised plans are usually pretty heavy on the pocket.
Find out more about the importance of insurance here .
Other useful links about Business Insurance:
Is Buildings Insurance a Legal Requirement?
What is Buildings and Content Insurance?
What is the Importance of Public Liability Insurance?
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