Overview:
- Convictions that are spent do not need to be disclosed to all underwriters (UWs).
- Agents must determine if the conviction is considered 'spent'.
Determine if 'Spent':
An agent can determine if a conviction is consider 'spent' by using the following rules below:
Time Spent in Prison - Adults (18 and over)
- Up to 6 months in prison: Spent after 2 years from end of sentence.
- 6 to 30 months in prison: Spent after 4 years from end of sentence.
- 30 months to 4 years in prison: Spent after 7 years from end of sentence.
- Over 4 years in prison: Never spent.
Time Spent in Prison - Children (18 and Under)
- Rules differ: generally shorter periods before becoming spent.
Other Sentences
- Fines: Spent after 1 year from payment.
- Community service: Spent after 1 year from completion.
Exceptions
- Some jobs require disclosure of spent convictions (e.g., working with children).
Further Details:
To see if something has been spent, please refer to this link.
If Not 'Spent':
Agents will need to refer to the conviction the Underwriter.
- Questions for UW Disclosure:
- What were you convicted for?
- What was the sentence?
- What was the date of the conviction?
- What sentence did you serve (e.g., released early)?
- Additional Research: Consider searching the customer's first and surname along with their area of residence and the word "Conviction" on Google. This may uncover news articles relating to the conviction, especially if the customer is not forthright.
- Serious Convictions: More severe crimes like murder, sex offences, or fraud are often declined by many insurers. These convictions are usually never spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.