Disclosure-led underwriting

Business insurance with criminal convictions

Guidance and quote support for business insurance where directors, partners or key people need to disclose relevant criminal convictions or related history.

Unusual trades New ventures Imports and exports Prior disclosures

Who this page is for

Captures sensitive high-intent searches from business owners who need cover but are unsure how convictions affect insurer appetite.

Conviction disclosures need careful handling. The details can affect insurer appetite, premium, exclusions or referral requirements, but an honest and complete disclosure is safer than trying to force the risk through a standard journey.

Who we can help

  • Company directors, partners or sole traders with relevant convictions to disclose.
  • Businesses worried that a disclosure will automatically stop cover.
  • Firms renewing after a new disclosure or change in director history.
  • Trades where public liability, employers' liability, stock, tools or property cover still need review.

What insurers usually need

  • Who the conviction relates to and their role in the business.
  • The nature, date and status of the conviction or disclosure.
  • The trade, premises, turnover, staff, claims history and existing insurance position.
  • Controls that reduce theft, cash, safeguarding, driving, public access or financial exposure where relevant.

Placement notes

  • Disclosure requirements depend on the question asked and the legal status of the conviction.
  • Some insurers will not consider certain disclosures, while specialist markets may still review the wider risk.
  • The page must avoid promising cover and should encourage accurate disclosure.

Why disclosure matters

  • A liability claim prompts an insurer to review the original proposal and disclosure answers.
  • A theft claim raises questions about controls, access to stock and whether previous history was disclosed correctly.

Related non-standard insurance pages

Non-standard business insuranceSpecialist business insurance for UK firms that do not fit standard online schemes, including unusual trades, new ventures, prior financial issues, imports, exports and work at height. Hard to place business insuranceBusiness insurance for UK SMEs that have been declined, referred or restricted by standard markets because of trade, claims, disclosures, premises or unusual activities. Business insurance after bankruptcy or liquidationBusiness insurance support for UK firms where bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvency, CCJs or previous financial difficulty needs to be disclosed to insurers.

Common questions

Can I get business insurance with a criminal conviction?

Possibly, but it depends on the conviction, disclosure requirements, trade, role in the business and insurer appetite.

Should I disclose a conviction when applying for business insurance?

You should answer insurer questions honestly and completely. If you are unsure, ask before submitting the application.

Will a conviction always increase the premium?

Not always, but it can lead to referral, extra questions, restrictions, higher premium or a declined quote depending on the facts.

Need a quote for a non-standard business?

Tell us what the business really does, what has made it hard to place, and what cover you need. We will review the details and route the enquiry to suitable commercial insurance markets where possible.

Start a business insurance quote