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

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.