How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance Rate After DUI Conviction

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.

Cheap Car Insurance After DUI

Reader’s Question:

I have a DUI on my driving record and I just want to find out if there is anything I can do to get a cheaper car insurance?

Jason

Chicago, Illinois (IL)

Having a major conviction like DUI on your driving record can seriously 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 drunk driving (DUI) your license will be suspended for a certain period of time and then when you go to restore your driver’s license you will have to get an insurance company to file a SR-22, certificate of financial responsibility, on your behalf.

With a major offense like this on your driving record and the needing to file an SR-22 you may not be able to find car insurance with a standard insurance company. A standard insurance company will generally give better rates for those with clean driving records and may not offer competitive insurance rates for those with DUI and other serious related infractions or bad driving records.

The best way to get the cheapest rates after you have been convicted of a DUI is to shop around. Make sure to ask for any discounts that may be available to you. This can be for driver improvement or traffic courses, safety features on your car, anti-theft devices, etc. Discounts differ from one insurance providers to another so ask what ones are available to check if you can get cheaper rates by applying the most discounts to your insurance policy.

Holy crap Batman, these DUI insurance rates rock

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.

Can My Parents Insure Me With A DUI?

Reader’s Question:

My license is suspended because of the DUI and my parents want to add me to their policy. Will the company be able to know about the DUI?

John

Thank you for asking John.

I would suggest that you let the insurance company and your parents know that your driver’s license is suspended because of the DUI. You should not operate a vehicle or be insured on their insurance policy with a suspended or revoked license. You could put your parents or their car insurance policy at risk for non-disclosure. And you could put them at greater risk legally for driving their car in your current status.

The insurance company will pull up your driving history when your parents try to add you to the insurance policy. Then they would disclose the information that they cannot add you because your license is suspended. Even after your license is reinstated, you may need a special SR22 certificate to qualify for insurance, and your rates will be considerably higher than your parents may realize. It is best to be open with them about the situation so that you can all make the best decisions for your family.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Will Car Insurance Cover for Car Wreck Due to DUI?

Reader’s Question:

I was driving drunk and had a wreck in my car. Is it possible that my insurance company will cover the total loss and damages in my car if I was convicted of DUI?

Rain

Thank you for asking Rain.

It is not a typical exclusion in an auto policy being convicted of DUI. Yes, the coverage should be afforded to the terms in your policy. Claims regarding an accident that took place while you were driving under the influence (DUI) are normally covered by the insurance coverage you had in place at the time of the accident.

Some states have alcohol exclusions, but this is normally in regards to damages one sustains while driving drunk.

To make sure that your insurance provider will accept your claim for the car that was damaged at the time you were cited for a DUI, you should review through the terms and conditions of your insurance policy and speak with your insurance agent. Your insurance company should be able to advise you if there are any exclusions in your insurance policy that would allow your them to deny your claim.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Where to Get a Drivers License After DUI Conviction

Reader’s Question:

I received a DUI but I don’t want to lose my license, so I just want to know if there is a US state where I can get a driver’s license? And how will it affect my insurance policy?

Noreen

Thank you for asking Noreen.

All states have laws regarding driving while drinking or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other serious offenses. In all states a DUI is a serious offense with associated penalties such as jail time, fines, suspension of driver’s license, etc. Most of these states are also part of the Driver’s License Agreement which means that they forward their DMV records with each other so the DUI charge would follow you if you move to another state.

You won’t find out if your license will be suspended or revoked until after you go to court and are convicted and sentenced. There may be provisions in your state to allow you to drive to work. Of course, any change in your status as a licensed driver will affect your insurance policy. You an expect higher rates as a high risk driver, and you may even have your policy cancelled and have to shop for new coverage.

There are some states which allow offenders to operate their vehicles that are equipped with ignition interlocks. This device checks the driver’s breath and will disable the ignition if it determines the motorist has been drinking. I would suggest that you get legal advice regarding this to check if there is anyway in which you could not lose your license.

Goodluck!

MariCAR