DUI Auto Insurance

No matter where you live, drunk driving is a serious crime. If you have recently been charged with DUI, you probably know how severe the penalties may be. Besides the fines, loss of driving privileges, and potential jail time, a DUI conviction has other far-reaching consequences, such as the impact on your auto insurance premiums and coverage.

If you are convicted of driving under the influence, your insurance company will more than likely find out. It may take two courses of action: hike up your rates or cancel your policy.

If your insurance company decides to keep you on but raises your premiums, you will more than likely be classified as a “high-risk” driver. Depending on the state, the insurance company may be required to provide your state’s DMV with SR-22 Proof of Insurance in order for you to have your driver’s license reinstated and your suspension removed.

Unfortunately, not all auto insurance companies offer SR-22 policies. If this is the case, your insurance policy may be cancelled because the company is unable to provide insurance for you. However, the law in some states prohibits insurance companies from cancelling your policy in the middle of the term, so it is worth doing some investigating.

Even if your policy is cancelled, you may be able to find insurance coverage with another company. Some well-known and smaller companies can provide you with coverage and file the SR-22 with the DMV for you so you can regain your driving privileges. Your rates will definitely remain higher since a DUI violation may remain on your driving record for the rest of your life in some states. Your best bet in finding coverage after a DUI conviction is to contact an independent insurance agent who works with many insurance companies.

There is a slim chance that your insurance company might not find out about your DUI conviction because it fell through the cracks; however, the company can still increase your rates or drop your coverage if they find out about it within a certain timeframe.

If you have a question about DUI auto insurance, contact an experienced DUI lawyer in your area today.