‘In some cases, drivers with a drug-driving offence might struggle to secure car insurance at all,’ says managing editor
Car insurance costs can double – or even quadruple – for motorists convicted of drink or drug driving, according to new research from comparison site Go.Compare.
The firm analysed its internal sales data between May 2024 and April 2025 and found that the median price of a comprehensive motor policy for drivers with no convictions stood at £413.
For those convicted of drink driving, premiums more than doubled to £857. Drug-driving offences resulted in the steepest rise, with the median premium jumping to £1,705 – nearly £1,300 higher than for drivers without convictions.
Go.Compare also published analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) figures, which revealed that drug-driving collisions across Britain increased by 9% in 2023 compared with 2022. The number of such incidents has risen by 14% since 2021.
Only three UK regions recorded a fall in drug-driving collisions last year – the east midlands, Wales and the north east – while the remaining eight regions saw increases.
The sharpest rise was in the north west, where incidents climbed from 182 in 2022 to 265 in 2023 – a 46% increase. The east of England saw the second-largest jump at 17%, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (15%) and London (12%).
‘Particularly concerning’
Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at Go.Compare, described the trend as “particularly concerning”.
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He said: “This data highlights the scale of drug driving in the UK and that, worryingly, it’s a growing problem in many parts of the country. The sharp increase in the north west is particularly concerning, with those who choose to take drugs and drive putting not only their safety at risk, but also the safety of other road users.
“In some cases, drivers with a drug-driving offence might struggle to secure car insurance at all. And with convictions staying on a licence for 11 years, the long-term impact on finances can be substantial. I would urge drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.”
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