Drunk Driving Auto Insurance Increase

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you could be facing some serious penalties. From hefty fees to a lengthy license suspension or even jail time, you can expect to receive little leniency when it comes to your sentence. Although you may be most concerned about these immediate consequences, it is also important to be aware of the long-term impact of your conviction—with one of the most devastating being the drunk driving auto insurance increase you will undoubtedly face in the future.

On average, convicted drunk drivers pay substantially more for auto insurance than motorists who have no history of DUI. Therefore, once your insurance provider finds out about your conviction, not only can you can wave goodbye to any discounts you might have, but you can also plan on paying two to three times more for your current policy—and in some cases, it may be cancelled entirely.

In some states, you may be required to obtain SR-22 coverage before your driving privileges are restored. As a policy reserved for high-risk drivers, SR-22 insurance is much more expensive than a standard auto insurance policy. In addition, because many companies do not offer SR-22 insurance, it is often difficult to find a provider that is willing to insure you. If you are unable to find a company that offers SR-22 insurance, your policy will most likely be cancelled—and that means you won’t be able to drive legally.

Even if your policy is cancelled, you may be able to obtain coverage from another insurance provider. However, due to the amount of research you must do to find a company that will insure you, you may need to contact an independent insurance broker.

Given how hard it can be to find affordable auto insurance if you have a DUI on your record, your best strategy is to simply avoid being found guilty of the offense—and a skilled drunk driving defense attorney can improve your chances of doing that.

Don’t let one bad decision jeopardize your future. Look for an attorney who practices in DUI law exclusively. Unfortunately, most general attorneys lack specialized knowledge in drunk driving laws and are unable to provide adequate counsel for your case.

DUI Car Insurance

A Small Piece of Paper That Holds Tremendous Value

Proof of insurance is mandatory to drive a vehicle in any state. It may not be something we think of everyday, but this small card is what is keeping you on the road. Driving anywhere without it is impossible.

When you have a DUI conviction, many penalties could be facing you. One of them is higher insurance rates – or even cancellation of your policy.

Your motor vehicle record is checked on a regular basis by your insurance company (usually once every three years or when you open a new policy). Sometimes, a DUI conviction may slip under your insurance company’s radar due to lack of communication between the DMV and insurance companies.

However, if they find out about your DUI conviction, it may lead to higher insurance rates, or complete cancellation of coverage. That is because DUI convicts are labeled as high-risk drivers. Your insurance company may double or triple your renewal rate. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s always best to shop around for the lowest possible rate you can find.

But on the bright side, your insurances rates will not necessarily be increased if they find out about your DUI conviction. Some insurance companies will take into account your past driving record and claims filed. For example, State Farm’s action depends on which subsidiary you’re with.

With a DUI conviction, your insurance company must provide the DMV with an SR-22 form. This form removes your license suspension by providing the state with proof of insurance. An SR-22 also means your insurance company is required to notify the DMV if it cancels your insurance for any reason.

So How Do You Keep Your Car on the Road?

A specialized DUI attorney can guide you through your entire DUI ordeal. With their help it is possible to avoid conviction and keep your insurance rate from rising.  To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area, submit your information online today.