DUI and Its Effect on Your Vehicle Insurance Premium
Anyone that has been unfortunate enough to receive a DUI knows that they are nothing short of serious, uncomfortable, and costly. After you deal with paying for a suspended license, court costs, and attorney fees, there are still people waiting in line to get a crack at your wallet too, the insurance companies. While those expenses are extreme and took a good chunk of your finances, the worst is still yet to come.
The insurance company always finds out about DUI’s, at which time they may outright cancel your policy or raise your rates so high that you may have wished they just cancelled your policy. High risk drivers are often considered uninsurable by insurance companies but regardless, that high risk label will stay with you for some time. It may take a while for your DUI to reach the insurance companies but don’t get too excited as it always shows up.
While you will be able to get insurance, it won’t be with a top carrier but rather some mom and pop company that will charge you so much that you might consider giving up on driving. How long your DUI trail will remain is a question that isn’t easily answered, states decide that and for many it will remain forever.
Laws regarding DUI’s and car insurance coverage vary by state. Insurance companies provide a form SR-22 which is required by most states so that there is no way to hide a DUI conviction from your insurance agency. It is the only way though to get your license reinstated by proving to the DMV that you carry at least liability coverage.
If your coverage happens to lapse your insurance company will notify the DMV on your behalf. Your current premiums could likely double after a DUI.
No laws are enforced to dictate any caps on what is acceptable for an insurance company to charge you after a DUI so they can have a field day with your wallet. It is exceptionally significant that you in no way drive when you have been drinking. One irresponsible decision can be a thorn in your side for years to come.
