Bernie contacted our helpline seeking advice around employment and insurance. He explained that in 2019 he had been convicted of assault and received a 12-month suspended sentence.
He went on to say that prior to his conviction, he had been a driving instructor and, although the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) had not removed his registration, he couldn’t find anybody to insure him to give tuition because of his criminal record. We suggested that he have a look at our list of insurance brokers.
We contacted Bernie a month later to find out whether he’d been able to source a suitable policy. He told us that he’d rung the first five brokers on the list who’d been unable to help him; three of them told him that as driving instructor insurance was such a specialist product, he would find it impossible to get insurance whilst his conviction was unspent. Bernie told the advisor:
“My conviction will be spent in five years and I’ll be able to go back to instructing then. For now, I’ll just have to try something else.”
The helpline advisor referred him to one of the brokers on the list who she was aware took an interest in the more difficult insurance issues and had been able to find policies for individuals when other brokers were unable to.
Bernie emailed us the same day to say that the broker we’d referred him to had found him a policy.
A week later Bernie told us:
“I’m all set up to go. I’ve got a full diary of appointments and had my dual controls fitted today. I had a little cry because the last time I made the trip it was to have them removed which just broke my heart. Today was a different story – I’m able to teach and words can’t describe how happy I am. From thinking that I wouldn’t be able to do the job I love for five years to knowing I can, it’s just amazing. Thank you so much.”
Notes about this case study
- Bernie was supported by Unlock’s helpline.
- We have practical guidance on insurance.
- Names and details have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
