Reader’s Question:

If I get caught driving under the influence here in Cheyenne, Wyoming, what will happen to my auto insurance policy?

Oliver

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious matter that, us, drivers should not be too quick to neglect because it affects us in a lot of different ways. Aside from putting our lives and the lives of our passengers in danger, having DUI offense may also affect us financially.

Lately, states in this country are tightening the leash when it comes to this issue. In states like Oregon, Ohio, Iowa and Minnesota, laws are already ordering those with DUI offenses to have some kind of identification mark on their vehicles as punishment. Aside from this, their driving privileges are also being restricted. Some studies say that this tagging system is actually effective on lowering the numbers of DUI offenders.

So, now if the laws of states are getting really strict when it comes to DUI, just imagine its repercussions on your automobile insurance policy. Companies deal with this matter differently. They could actually give DUI customers very high rates or they could cancel or opt to not renew the policies of their customers.

If you are caught drunk driving there in Cheyenne, Wyoming, your automobile insurance company would most likely consider you as a high risk driver. This makes your premium skyrocket because most companies are not going to be willing to insure high risk drivers. In this case, you will be required to file a proof of insurance with Wyoming’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for three or even five years.

So, if I were you, just don’t drink and drive.

Tags: auto insurance, DUI, DUI insurance

Reader’s Question:

My husband and I live in Largo, Florida. My drivers license is suspended and he has a good driving record. Can he purchase automobile insurance?If so, how? The previous car insurance carrier canceled our insurance because they found out about my DUI and my suspended drivers license.

Jean

Largo, FL

Your husband might be able to get car insurance in Largo, Florida since he has a valid drivers license and a clean driving record, however he may expect that the car insurance policy would typically not going to be cheaper since you, as his wife, are household member with a suspended drivers license and DUI conviction. He would likely have to find an insurance carrier that deals with high risk auto insurance policy.

The Florida’s Department of Financial Services may be able to assist you with your insurance needs by providing you more information on what the state of Florida insurance carriers might be able provide your husband the car insurance he needs for the automobile.

You can also start getting car insurance quotes now to see if you can get a better car insurance rates with different insurance companies. You may type in your zip code in Largo Florida to see how much insurance cost you may expect that includes a household member with DUI conviction.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost, DUI insurance

Reader’s Question:

How many years does the DUI remain on your driving history in the state of Florida?

Thomas

Coral Springs, FL

According to Florida state law, a DUI in FL remains on your permanent record and on your driving record for seventy five (75) years.

The Florida Statutes authorize the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to establish and keep the management of driving histories for drivers in Florida.

According to HSMV convictions reflecting point assessments stay on a customer’s complete driver record for a period of ten years from the date of conviction. But, serious convictions such as Vehicular Homicide, DUI, DUI/Manslaughter, etc will stay on the driving record for 75 years.

Tags: auto insurance, DUI insurance

Reader’s Question:

How long does a DUI stay on your driving record in Hamden, Connecticut?

George

Hamden, CT

According to the Connecticut Department of motor vehicles records of moving violations on driving records are maintained for three years for most violations, although some serious infractions may stay active on the driving record for ten years.

From what I have read it would appear that a DUI remains on your Hamden Connecticut driving history for the full ten years. Since state statutes can change over time you may want to verify with the Connecticut DMV to see for sure the number of years a Driving Under the Influence conviction will stay on your driving record.

Tags: auto insurance, drunk driving insurance, DUI

Reader’s Question:

What is the average auto insurance rate increase with DUI conviction? I live in Lakewood, Colorado.

Kate

Lakewood, CO

The auto insurance premium rate increase will probably occur at your next renewal period when your insurance carrier checks your motor vehicle record (MVR) and sees this DUI offense listed. The length of time for the increased premium rate will again depend upon state laws or the insurance carrier’s own rating rules and guidelines. Generally, it can affect you for three to seven years typically or as long as the offense is on your driving record if state insurance laws permit it.

With a drunk driving conviction car insurance rates tend to increase quite a bit and you will likely be classified now as a high risk motorist. According to the Colorado’s DOT your car insurance (if it’s not terminated) could go up 30 % on average. The amount of the car insurance rate increase will depend upon your insurance carrier’s rating system. If your insurance premium does increase to an unmanageable amount, you can get a quote here for FREE here to get an car insurance quote in Lakewood, Colorado.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

I have to go to DUI school for my 1st conviction. I need to know if I need to give this certificate to my insurance provider? Would it help with my auto insurance rate or anything? Could I take another driving class to get cheaper my auto insurance rate in Layton Utah?

Wilhem

Layton, UT

Taking either an alcohol class or driving course because of receiving a DUI does not typically help with your auto insurance premiums. Normally, DUI school is a component of the penalties that is ordered by the court after being convicted of a DWI, DUI or OUI - depending on what your state refers to driving under the influence as.

States differ on their requirements and rules regarding DUI school. Some jurisdictions or states mandate that one participates and completes a DUI course if the individual wants to regain any driving privileges, meaning a conditional / restricted license or full license.

You will need to contact your insurance provider to verify if they will need a copy of your DUI school completion certificate. I do not think that it would lower your auto insurance premium since the course was due to a DUI conviction and probably mandated by the courts. Some insurance providers do give discounts for driver safety course, etc so verify with your current company to see what type of discounts they might have to offer.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile, Car insurance discounts, cheap auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

Is there any state that doesnt use the Interlock device? If so, is Alabama included?

James

Mobile, AL

Yes, there are some states that do not use ignition interlock devices. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) lists Connecticut, Alabama, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Vermont, South Dakota, and Wyoming as states that do not use the ignition interlock device (IID).

State statutes change though so any of these states have passed laws or may have pending legislature since this list was put together so you would have to verify with these states Departments of Motor Vehicles to verify if IIDs are currently used or not.

Most states that do have laws regarding the IID require DWI or DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device as a condition for reinstating license or probation after being convicted of a driving under the influence of alcohol violation.

Some states only require it after an individual has been found to be a repeat intoxicated motorist meaning that a person has been convicted of a second or subsequent violation for DWI or driving under the influence (DUI).

Tags: drunk driving insurance, DUI, DWI insurance

Reader’s Question:

Is there anything I can do to get a cheaper insurance if I have a DUI on my drivers record?

Mitch

Jackson, MS

Having a major violation such as a DUI on your driving record can affect your car insurance rates since as a motorist you are seen as more of a risk to an insurance company. In most states if you have been convicted of DUI your license will be suspended for a certain period of time and then when you try to reinstate your driver’s license you will have to have your insurance carrier to file a SR-22, certificate of financial responsibility, on your behalf.

The best way to get the cheapest insurance rates after you have been convicted of a drunk driving is to shop around. Comparison shop online Make sure to ask for any discounts that may be available to you. This can be for safety features on your vehicle such as , anti-theft devices, traffic courses, driver improvement etc. Discounts vary from one insurance carrier to another so ask what ones are available to check if you can lower your insurance rates by applying the most discounts to your insurance policy.

Reader’s Question:

How does a DWI or DUI affect my auto insurance rate in Idaho?

Uma

Boise, ID

As required by most state laws, insurance companies need to file SR-22 for an individual who has been convicted of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). This is to prove that you have certain types of insurance and you will be able to show an auto liability coverage.

A DWI offense in Idaho basically affects your car insurance policy in two ways. First, your company will keep you insured but will most likely react by raising your premium rates and labeling you as a high-risk driver. Second, your insurance company may cancel your insurance mid-term or terminate the policy at the end of the term because of your DWI conviction, especially if you are currently in a preferred class. Your insurance carrier will send you notification stating why you’ve been canceled, and then you will have to get another insurance provider while having a cancellation on your claims history.

Some states don’t permit insurance providers to drop you in the middle of the policy term even for a DWI charge, so be sure you know the laws in your state.

Reader’s Question:

I am planning on going to truck driving school. I have had 3 DWIs and the last DWI was 6 years ago. Will I be insured by an insurance company in a commercial car?

Paul

Nashua, NH

Many commercial car insurance companies do not want to insure a motorist with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that has a DWI, DUI or OUI. Since your last DWI was over 6 years ago, you might be able to find an insurance company that will insure you but the costs will likely still be high.

I would verify with the trucking school you are going to attend to for more information since they would typically deal with the insurance carriers that you would possibly want to be insured through. You can also check if the school thinks you will be insurable through an insurer plan once you acquired a job after your truck driving school is over.