The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has released an updated version of its good practice guide Insurers’ Approach to People with Convictions and Related Offences.
Available on the ABI website, the 40-page resource was first published in 2011 and was previously revised in 2014. This time around, the guidance has been brought up to date not only to reflect changes to the law, regulatory requirements, and insurer market practice but also to take account of the research findings and recommendations made by charity Unlock.
The guide spans topics such as the type of information insurers may ask for during the application process; how insurers can verify the relevant conviction history of a customer; how to explain the consequences of non-disclosure of unspent convictions as well as how to ensure fair treatment in case of misrepresentation; and how the sector can help ex-offenders who are struggling to obtain coverage.
“The industry recognises that some of the 11 million people in the UK with a criminal record may face challenges when trying to buy insurance,” commented Mark Allen, manager for fraud and financial crime at the ABI.
“Insurers want to be as financially inclusive as possible, and this guide will further help them treat those with criminal convictions fairly, including asking clear and concise questions where any unspent convictions may be relevant.”
The voluntary good practice guidance for insurers does not purport in any way to replace the law or regulatory requirements. It has been prepared in consultation with ABI members, the Ministry of Justice, the Information Commissioner’s Office, and Unlock – a charitable institution that supports people with convictions.
