How do I get car insurance after a DUI?

One of the highest costs of getting a DUI is the increase or inability to find car insurance. A DUI conviction could double or even triple your current car insurance premiums. Also, if your car insurance company doesn’t drop you altogether, they will often classify you as much higher risk and adjust your premiums accordingly.

Finding New Providers

If your auto insurance company doesn’t keep you on, then trying to find a new provider can sometimes be extremely challenging.  You also will have to keep your nose clean for three to five years. A DUI stays on your driving record for up to ten years. It may require approximately eight years to start receiving lower premiums on your car insurance. You can lower your premium if you keep a clean record after your DUI conviction.

Do You Lose Your License After a DUI Conviction?

Even if it’s the very first conviction, most people lose their driver’s license after a DUI conviction. Most states do allow some drivers to obtain a provisional license for travel to work and other destinations that are essential for survival. Certain conditions must be met to do this, though.

What’s an SR-22 form, and why do I need it after a DUI arrest?
After a DUI arrest, you are required to file an SR-22 form in most states. This is a form which shows proof of insurance to the courts, but it also lets your car insurance company know you have been arrested for DUI. Unfortunately, only a certified car insurance agent can issue an SR-22 when you have your license reinstated or if you are receiving a restricted license.

Many convicted of a DUI do not realize they can even obtain car insurance
This is not only possible, but it’s the law to have car insurance to be appropriate for a limited permit that enables you to drive to work. Your SR-22 form will stay on your record for three years (or more). Is required to show proof of financial responsibility after your conviction.

In case your coverage is canceled
Paperwork for an SR-22 form only needs to be done once during the three years, unless your auto insurance coverage lapses or becomes inactive. If your coverage is canceled or lapses, your auto insurance company is required to report this information to the DMV. Unless a new insurance policy is obtained and a new SR-22 form is filed, your driver’s license or restricted license will be suspended.

What Can I Do to Minimize My Price Increase for Car Insurance After a DUI Arrest?

There’s not much you can do after a conviction has been made, but it’s a good idea to hire a DUI lawyer to handle your case. A veteran attorney who is an authority on DUI offenses can fight to minimize and even eliminate the consequences of a DUI arrest and can ask for lesser charges. If you can fight this and get a lower charge or even remove a DUI charge, then your car insurance rates won’t suffer such a huge increase.

Why are DUI convictions so detrimental to your car insurance premium?
Car insurance companies base their premiums and quotes on risks of insuring a potential customer. Those who have a DUI conviction are considered an offensive threat by any means, both statistically and logically. According to a report, almost thirty percent of fatal car crashes are in some way related to alcohol consumption. This report is only during the week. During the weekend, the rate increases to over fifty percent.

Can I even get car insurance after a DUI conviction?
It’s the law to have car insurance after a DUI conviction, filing an SR-22 form. However, because a DUI convict is considered high risk for car insurance purposes, many insurance companies will cancel your coverage. When this shows up, it is ordinarily discouraging and embarrassing.

Avoid humiliation in person
However, there are car insurance companies that specialize in high-risk cases, and there are even those who have high-risk departments in their companies. You can avoid humiliation in person by shopping for an insurance company online. The Internet provides a nonjudgmental and unbiased quote for car insurance and SR-22 coverage.

Research for SR-22 insurance coverage

It’s essential to research for SR-22 insurance coverage just as you would regular car insurance. Some rates are better than others are. While it might be a relief to find car insurance after a DUI conviction, it doesn’t mean that you should go with the first one that offers you a policy.

Starting at least whit three quotes
As a rule of thumb, when getting quotes from insurance companies, it’s best to start with at least three quotes. Once you have your quotes, you can compare policies against the others. While finding the cheapest plan, it’s important to make sure you have proper coverage.

More than one DUI conviction
The process of getting car insurance after more than one DUI conviction can be much more difficult and time-consuming. However, there are still companies that will insure those with more than one conviction.

While it’s not the end of the world, a DUI conviction can undoubtedly hurt your pocketbook and be humiliating. As with anything, it’s best to be proactive and always have the number of a cab company rather than trying to drive yourself after a few drinks.