DUI Insurance

 

Reader’s Question:

A friend received a DUI ticket while using my car. I want to see if the event affects my car insurance by getting instant car insurance quotes. Will it affect my future car insurance premiums?

Gabrielle

Fayette, KY

When a driver gets a DUI ticket while driving your car, the ticket will be issued under the driver’s name not to your car. If your friend gets pulled over, for example, for any traffic violation, and the officer perceives intoxication, then the citation would go to the record of the driver and would affect your friend’s insurance. It should not affect your car insurance.

However, if your friend met an accident while driving your car, then the damage and medical cost claims would come from your insurance. Car insurance follows the car first then driver next when claims are made. This means that if there is any damage, you car insurance would be primary. Any amount over and above what your car insurance could afford, your friend’s car insurance will take over. Responsibility over the matter rests explicitly both on you and your driver friend’s hands. Thus, I would advise you to be careful next time with who you allow to borrow and drive your car.

If by getting instant car insurance quotes, you’d get reassurance that everything would be fine, then go ahead. But there is really no cause for worry as long as no one is hurt and there are no damages made on property.

SR22 and Insurance Premiums Indiana IN

 

December 10, 2008 by maricar · Leave a Comment
Filed under: DUI insurance, Drunk driver insurance 

Reader’s Question:

My son had a DUI a year ago here in Indiana and had to get SR22. What is it? Will it affect his insurance premiums? And will it affect his chance of getting an approval for a car loan?

Thomas

Anderson, IN

The SR22 is a form filed by the insurance company to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle affirms that an individual has a certain car insurance coverage. This form is usually required when coverage is provided to an individual who was involved in an accident or was convicted for a traffic violation and was not able to show any proof of financial responsibility at the time of the incident.

Driving under the influence falls under the offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana. In your son’s case, he needed to show proof that he was insured at the time he received the OWI infraction but was not able to provide the police officer with it. This is why he was forced by the state to file for SR22 to show that he now has proof of future financial responsibility if ever he causes an accident due to drunk driving again.

If a motorist has OWI offense, he will be required by the Indiana government to carry high-risk insurance for three consecutive years. If he decides to cancel this coverage, then his license will be cancelled. High-risk insurance coverage also costs more than the average policy. Some insurers may also refuse to renew your son’s policy because of this violation. Other insurers cancel the coverage of their customers cited for OWI altogether.

Regarding his plan to buy a new car, his SR22 requirement should not have a direct effect on the possibility of getting car financing. Since he is planning to apply for a car loan and is worried that his SR22 requirement will directly affect a favorable decision from a lender, then he can always do some more shopping around.

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Car Insurance Bond California CA

 

Reader’s Question:

My 22-year-old son receives a ticket most of the time and recently got a DUI. I’m planning to establish a bond for him and his car. Car insurance is expensive since we live in California. I would like to get your opinion on whether this is a good idea.

Lilian

Berkeley, CA

The California’s Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law states that every owner and driver must be financially responsible. You will find the ways of accomplishing the financial obligations.

1. the motor vehicle should be covered by an auto insurance policy.
2. A $35,000 cash deposit to the DMV
3. A self-insurance certificate from DMV to owners of at least 25 vehicles.
4. A $35,000 surety bond issued by the insurance company in California

The insurance must be at least within the minimum liability required by the state or an approved alternative way to pay for a damage or injury in an accident. A non-compliance of this vehicle code entails a
severe penalty.

It seems that you plan to accomplish financial obligations in number 4. Because of the limited information, I cannot tell you whether this is a good idea or not. You can contact your insurance provider in California to find out which is better provided by your son’s current situation.

The California Department of Insurance telephone line is 800-927-HELP and can be reached from 8 am to 6 am, Mondays
through Fridays except holidays. You can get more information on this matter from them.

 

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Drunk Driving Car Insurance Florida FL

 

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.

 

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Drunk Driving DUI Insurance Hamden Connecticut CT

 

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.

 

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DUI Auto Insurance Lakewood, Colorado CO

 

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.

 

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High Risk Insurance Bridgeport Connecticut CT

 

Reader’s Question:

I received a DUI but the insurance policy is not under my name do the insurance rates go up for the policy holder in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

Leila

Bridgeport, CT

Yes, your DUI could affect the insurance rates for the policyholder if you are a motorist listed under their insurance policy. The driving record of any licensed motorist on an insurance policy or in a household can have an impact on the insurance premiums the same as the insurance carrier’s decision to insure the car. Certain violations may cause an insurance company to turn you or the policyholder down for insurance coverage or to pay high-risk insurance.

An individual with a bad driving record is more of a risk for an insurance carrier then an individual with a clean driving record and therefore their insurance rates are normally higher. The whole policy thus can be affected by one driver’s DUI or serious driving infraction.

If the your insurance rates go up because of your DUI, you may want to comparison shop for car insurance to check if they can find a better rate. You can get an insurance quote in Bridgeport, Connecticut here for FREE.

 

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Drunk Driving Interlock Device Alabama AL

 

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).

 

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Driving Without Insurance New Jersey NJ

 

Reader’s Question:

What happens if someone has no license and car insurance got involved in an accident but leaves the scene?

Harry

Clifton, NJ

 

Leaving the scene of an accident is a very serious violation. In most states, leaving the scene of the accident where there is a personal injury is a crime of the 4th degree. Driving without insurance penalties differ from state to state. For instance, driving without New Jersey car insurance will bring you mandatory penalties imposed that are greater than the first offender penalties for drunk driving or possession of marijuana. Mandatory penalties include automatic a $300.00 fine, loss of license for one year, and a period of community service to be determined by the Municipal Court.

 

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Driving Without Insurance Penalties

 

Reader’s Question:

I recently got involved in a car accident with someone and I had no auto insurance coverage. The other vehicle had uninsured motorist coverage. Whats going to happen?

George

Houston, TX

I am sorry to hear about what happened. The specific penalties differ from state to state for driving without insurance and/ or being involved in a car accident without car insurance. You may be held personally liable for the damages you caused even if the other person had insurance. Additionally, you will be subject to some financial responsibility rules that is enforced by your state.

I would really suggest that you contact a lawyer to determine your liability exposure and you may also contact your local driver’s license office to know what action(s) may be taken against your license.

You will also need to find out the insurance status of the other motorist through the local authorities (police report and/or investigation).

 

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