My boyfriend was recently charged with DUI. What is the consequence of this on his auto insurance?

Rose

Seattle, WA

Driving under the influence can give your boyfriend a lot of problems when it comes to his vehicle insurance. He will have to request for a DUI insurance from his insurance company. This is also called as SR-22, although in reality this is not a type of insurance policy but more of a certification from his insurer. When he is given a DUI insurance, it means that your boyfriend has the policy or coverage to pay off any damages that he may incur on the road.

The problem is that DUI insurance is very hard to gain. Most insurance companies do not give SR-22 since this is high risk. Even if they do give SR-22, insurance companies will be charging your boyfriend with pretty high premiums. Your boyfriend will have to deal with larger monthly payments for his insurer.

When your boyfriend fails to pay off his monthly obligations with his insurer, the company can cancel the SR-22 and that could lead to more troubles for him. Your boyfriend cannot drive a vehicle without SR-22 for at least 3 years, so he either has to deal with expensive insurance premiums or be barred from driving.

Wow, super cheap rates on DUI insurance see for yourself!

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? How can I get a lower rate on DUI insurance without getting a carrier I have never heard of before and that might not pay a claim?

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.

I’m an 18-year-old student in Florida, and I rammed into a car the other night. The man behind the wheel says he will sue me for physical injuries and damages to his car because I was drunk and driving, and even get my license revoked. Can he really do this?

Allen

Tampa, FL

My goodness me, Allen, you are in a very tight situation, I must say. Let me try to put sense into everything that is happening to you right now. You rammed into a car and the man behind the wheel says he will sue you for physical injuries and damages to his car because you were driving under the influence (or what we commonly call DUI). You ask if he can legally do this. I say no. It actually depends on what state you are in, as the law could differ from state to state. But your angels must have been smiling down on you that night of the accident because you are from Florida. Because you see, the state of Florida follows a no-fault car insurance system. And because of this, you are spared of any legal and financial responsibilities to the other driver. Whether or not you are the liable party, the other car’s insurance coverage will have to pay for whatever damage to property and medical expenses there may be. Then we come to your other question. He wants to have your license revoked because you were driving under the influence. As for revoking your license, none of us can tell, not even the man whose car you rammed your car into. It will be the discretion of the police and the officials of Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety. Most definitely, you will be required to carry an SR-22. But the fate of your driver’s license? You just have to keep your fingers crossed.

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)