If you are arrested and convicted of DUI, in numerous states your car insurance rates are more than likely going to increase for a minimum of three years and you will probably be learning at lot about something called SR22 insurance.
Whether your state calls it DUI, driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence, if you are convicted of any of those offenses, it is likely are your insurance rates will go up before you can drive again.
SR22 Insurance Laws Differ by State
The penalty regarding drunk driving varies from state to state, although in every state if you are convicted of driving impaired, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days to a entire year, even for the first offense.
In a lot of states, to acquire your driver's license and privileges back, you will have to supply the licensing agency with an SR22 insurance form, which proves that you have motor vehicle liability insurance. Under SR22 insurance laws, the insurance company is mandatory to notify the licensing agency, typically the DMV, if the policy is terminated or cancelled.
It is Possible Your Premiums Could Triple
When you go to your car insurance representative to get an SR22 insurance form, your company will regard you as a high-risk driver and boost your insurance premiums. This is particularly true if you were formerly in a preferred class or had gotten safe-driver discounts.
If you are convicted of DUI, your car insurance premiums can double, and in a lot of states, could even triple. You might want to shop around; some companies specialize in high-risk policies.
SR22 Policies are Not Offered by All Insurance Companies
There are a few insurance companies that do not offer SR22 insurance policies. If you are convicted of DUI and your company does not offer SR22 insurance, the company will cancel or not renew your current policy. You will have to look for some other company that will offer SR22 insurance and when you do, it is a fact that your rates are going higher, because then you would also have a cancellation on your claims history.
A lot of states have laws that forbid insurance companies from canceling policies before the term expires, even if you are convicted of a DUI charge. You should check the laws in your state.
How Long Should Your Rates Go Up?
Again, laws differ from state to state, but normally a drunk driving conviction will affect your insurance status for at least three years in most states for a first offense. For ensuing convictions, the length of time is considerably longer.
Most states now have drunk driving laws that provide improved penalties for special circumstances, like if someone was hurt, if a minor was in the vehicle, if your blood alcohol concentration was above a certain level or if you were under the age of 21 at the time of your arrest.
For instance, in all 50 states, a blood alcohol concentration of.08 is the level considered legally impaired. But in 40 states, penalties for a DUI conviction are doubled if the driver registers a high BAC level (usually over .15 or .20).
Is it Possible to Avoid Increase Rates?
Increased rates for auto insurance only come into play if you want your driver's privileges restored. You can stay away from those extra costs by taking public transportation or even walking. Some states still permit the operation of mopeds without a license.
Even if you do not individually own a vehicle, but hope to have your driving privileges restored after a DUI conviction, you still have to provide an SR22 insurance form by buying a non-owner policy. In other words, you will have to purchase insurance for a car that you do not even own.
The best way to steer clear of increased insurance premiums is easy. If you are intoxicated then do not get behind the wheel. Get a taxi or a safe driver to take you where you need to go.
