How a DUI can Affect Auto Insurance Rates and Coverage

A DUI conviction can have a huge impact on your car insurance coverage and rates. In some cases, a DUI could cause you to lose you coverage all together. In most cases, your rates will increase dramatically with a DUI conviction. There are a lot of variable that can determine when and to what degree your insurance coverage will be affected, but in nearly every instance, a DUI conviction will result in an increase in costs or loss of coverage.

Depending on where your DUI conviction takes place, your insurance company may not be notified right away. If the courts or DMV did not notify your insurance company at the time of your arrest or conviction, don’t think you are out of the woods yet. If your license was suspended as part of your DUI conviction or arrest, most states will require your insurance company to provide the DMV/MVD with an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Certificate before you can have your driving privileges restored. If your state requires an SR-22, your insurance company will be informed of your DUI and will take subsequent action.

Many of the premium insurance companies do not offer SR-22 policies. If your insurance carrier does not offer an SR-22 policy, your coverage may be dropped entirely. However, there are many reputable insurance companies that do offer SR-22 policies. Generally, your rates will be significantly higher if you have a DUI/DWI conviction due to the seriousness of the offense. A DUI conviction will remain on your record from 5 years up to your entire lifetime, depending on your state and the severity of the charges. If you have experience a drastic increase in your insurance rates due to a DUI conviction, your rates may drop again after a period of time, as long as you have to additional driving offenses. In most cases, expect to pay higher rates for at least 5 years.

An independent insurance agent may be able to assist you in obtaining coverage if you have trouble finding a carrier after your DUI conviction.