What Happens to Your Car Insurance after a DUI?

Getting convicted of a DUI is a trying experience to say the least. A DUI conviction usually comes with expensive fines, driver’s license suspensions, and possible prison time. In addition to the legal ramifications, you will have to face the effects the DUI will have on your car insurance coverage. Once you receive a DUI, your insurer may raise your premiums or even cancel your coverage. Read on to find out how and why a DUI conviction will affect your auto insurance policy.

A Mark on Your Driving Record

A DUI conviction will appear on your driving record. Every time you apply for car insurance coverage, the carrier will pull your driving record in order to decide whether to issue you a policy and, if so, how much to charge. Likewise, your existing insurer will most likely pull your driving record when your policy is up for renewal in order to adjust your rates accordingly. In both cases, if an insurer sees a DUI conviction on your record, it will work against you.

DUI Convictions Mean Higher Risk

Drivers with DUI convictions are more likely to file claims, which means car insurers will see them as higher risks to insure. To offset this risk, insurers will charge higher premiums. In states that apply penalty points to driver’s licenses for violations, a DUI will add points to your record. With most insurers, you will pay higher car insurance rates if you have points against your license. Certain carriers may even refuse you coverage or cancel an existing policy if you have a DUI on your driving record.

Filing an SR-22

Most states will require you to file an SR-22 after a DUI conviction. An SR-22 is a document filed with your motor vehicles department proving that you carry the minimum amount of car insurance that your state requires. Your car insurance company may file the SR-22 for you automatically, but you should ask your agent about your carrier’s specific procedures. Certain states may require drivers with DUI convictions to file an SR-22 for multiple years. How long the SR-22 stays active will depend on the circumstances of your DUI and your state’s laws. Remember that an SR-22 will put you in a higher-risk category as a driver, so your car insurance rates will increase. Your rates will not return to normal until you are no longer required to file the SR-22.

License Suspension or Revocation

A driver’s license suspension or revocation may follow a DUI conviction. If your license is suspended temporarily, you will need to let your insurer know right away. You may have to cancel your policy until you get your license reinstated. If you need to switch carriers, you will not be able to apply for coverage until you have a valid driver’s license. With some insurance carriers, you may be able to apply for coverage if you have a provisional license.