Do I Need SR22 Insurance After DUI Conviction?

Reader’s Question:

Do I need 2 car insurances after committing a DUI offense last week? I know it was a terrible mistake and I want to make amends by at least complying with what the state requires in terms of car insurance. Apart from DUI insurance, do I also need to have DUI SR22 insurance?

Ian

Pittsburgh, PA

To put it simply, DUI SR22 insurance is not really an actual car insurance. It’s nothing more than a form filed by the auto insurance company of the driver with DUI offense to the state, informing that the insured has the mandated insurance coverage.

Though I commend you for acknowledging your mistake (because you were caught and didn’t have a choice, right?) and wanting to make amends by at least complying with your state’s car insurance policies and regulations, it doesn’t mean you’re already considered a saint. Are you aware of the countless lives that were lost on the roads caused by drivers who were DUI? Every person is entitled to his/her own choice, but when that choice does harm to others, it is obviously so wrong. So, Ian, please drive responsibly next time.

By the way, I suggest that you check various DUI SR22 insurance companies online. You will find a lot of choices by just clicking. I’m sure that the best DUI SR22 insurance is just at the tip of your fingertips.

I hope you get a free rate quote while you are here DUI insurance

How Long Does DUI Stay On Florida Driving Record

Reader’s Question:

I need drunk driver car insurance 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.

Drunk Driving Interlock Device – Which States Require It?

Reader’s Question:

Is there any state that doesn’t 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).

Totally cheap DUI auto insurance rates

Driving Without Insurance in New Jersey

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.

Driving Without Insurance – What Are The 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)

Maryland Car Insurance DUI Rate

Reader’s Question:

My brother in law was driving my car over the past weekend. He got pulled over for speeding. He was also cited for DUI and driving without a license in Maryland. Will this affect my car insurance rate? What are the Maryland DUI car insurance rates?

Carlo

Baltimore, MD

Tickets that your friends or anyone who borrows your car receive while driving your vehicle in Maryland generally will not affect your auto insurance rates. The tickets for speeding, driving without a license and DUI should all have been issued to your brother in law, the motorist, and not the car, so typically will show up on his driving record and affect his insurance rate in Maryland.

If your brother in law had crashed while driving your vehicle in Maryland it would have affected your car insurance since most likely it would be your insurance that would have to pay out on claims that was caused from an accident.

Wanna get a super low rate on DUI insurance?

What is SR22 Car Insurance in New York?

Reader’s Question:

I was convicted of DUI and the court told me that to reinstate my license after suspension, I need to get a New York SR22. What is an auto insurance SR22?

James

New York, NY

Since you have had your license suspended, you have to face a more severe penalty than a simple few weeks suspension. For you to be able to comply with the SR22 law, you will have to purchase New York SR22 insurance for a total of 3 years before you are able to keep your license without it.

New York SR22 is a proof of insurance form. Your auto insurance provider will file the SR22 with the DMV in your area every month. If the form is not filed during the 3 year period you are required to have SR22 insurance, then your insurance will be canceled and your license again will be suspended.

It’s sometimes not easy to find New York SR22, so you’ll have to look a little harder. Since you are now part of a high risk group of motorist, it’s also very likely that you will have to pay a lot more in order to keep yourself insured. If you don’t want to have to file SR22 insurance, then you can avoid it by simply allowing your license to remain suspended for 3 years–but then you won’t be able to operate a vehicle.

I Need DUI Insurance Quote

Reader’s Question:

Is there an insurance company that I can check online that does not consider tickets like DUI in order to provide insurance?

Vince

Thank you for asking Vince.

Some auto insurance companies do not quote you higher rates online, but that does not mean that they won’t find out about the DUI and adjust the quote before issuing the policy. If you already have an active insurance policy in place, your insurance company may raise your rates for certain moving offenses. In general, all car insurance providers take into consideration an individual’s driving record as a rating factor.

The drivers’ record and motor vehicle record (MVR) is used to determine what type of risk as a motorist they are and so the risk that they are putting the insurance carrier under to insure them and the vehicle they drive. Traffic violations such as DUI and DWI on a driver’s MVR shows that the person may drive recklessly or poorly.

There are some insurance companies that will not raise your rates if it is your first minor ticket; however, your safe driver discount will likely be removed which will cause your car insurance premiums to go up. You may check online and get a quote from these insurance companies to get the specific information you need regarding insurance rates.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Car Insurance for Suspended Drivers

Reader’s Question:

I will be losing my license because of the DUI conviction. Can I have my new car insured while my license is suspended so others may be able to use it?

Nina

Thank you for asking Nina.

I don’t think it is possible (or may be difficult) to carry auto insurance while your license is suspended. Once an insurance carrier finds out that your license is suspended, your insurance policy typically is canceled.

If there is another person that has registered or co-owns the new vehicle with you, she/he might be able to get insurance in their name for the car until your driver’s license is reinstated. If not then the finance company can get “force” insurance, in which they take out insurance on the car to protect their asset (the car) but it might not be enough for the coverage of others operating the vehicle.

If you are able to get a restricted driver’s license, while still serving your penalty for the DUI, then an insurance carrier will normally be able to insure you and your car.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

What Will Happen if I Drive Without Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

What will happen now if I received a ticket for speeding and driving without insurance?

Tom

Thank you for asking Tom.

State laws and jurisdictions vary considerably, so obviously we will not be able to provide the exact cost that you may incur with this problem. Even if you are driving without a license, you still have a driving record that will be impacted with these charges. These moving violations will show on your driving record.

Insurance companies sometimes use entirely different quote systems to handle potential customers who are already insured and those who don’t have insurance. You can expect to pay higher rates for the speeding ticket and additional rate hikes for having been ticketed for driving without insurance.

Each insurance provider has their own rating system and point values that are assigned for each type of violation or claim. Most minor violations count as two (2) points, for major violations count as three (3) points and serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may count as high as six (6) points. This is will not always be the case, because there are many factors that go into generating your insurance rate.

You will be required to pay the penalty to the state for the violation and your insurance costs may increase because of the added points on you driving record. You can get more information about your specific state laws and infractions by visiting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle website.

Goodluck!

MariCAR