Can I Be Sued For Car Accident Damages If I Am Caught Drunk Driving

Reader’s Question:

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.

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.

How Does DUI Affect my Car Insurance Rate in Idaho

Reader’s Question:

How does a DWI or DUI affect my auto insurance rate in Idaho?

Uma

Boise, ID

As required by most state laws, insurance companies need to file SR-22 for an individual who has been convicted of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). This is to prove that you have certain types of insurance and you will be able to show an auto liability coverage.

A DWI offense in Idaho basically affects your car insurance policy in two ways. First, your company will keep you insured but will most likely react by raising your premium rates and labeling you as a high-risk driver. Second, your insurance company may cancel your insurance mid-term or terminate the policy at the end of the term because of your DWI conviction, especially if you are currently in a preferred class. Your insurance carrier will send you notification stating why you’ve been canceled, and then you will have to get another insurance provider while having a cancellation on your claims history.

Some states don’t permit insurance providers to drop you in the middle of the policy term even for a DWI charge, so be sure you know the laws in your state.

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

How Long Do I Need to Carry SR22 Insurance in Tennessee

Reader’s Question:

What is the required time to carry an SR22 in TN? I was required to carry an SR22 because of DUI.

Gina

Thank you for asking Gina.

The Tennessee Department of Safety states that a SR-22 can be required for a total of five (5) years from your date of suspension. If the Financial Responsibility certificate or SR-22 is filed for a total of three (3) years (36 months) within the five (5) year period, the SR-22 may be cancelled or terminated given that it is not required anymore on any other suspension. If the SR-22 is cancelled or terminated before the required period of time and a new form is not filed, your drivers license will be suspended or revoked.

An SR-22 form is proof of future financial responsibility that is required or mandated under Tennessee Code Annotated 55-12-114. If you are required to file a SR-22, then you should contact a liability insurance company and inform them of the needed filing with the state. This form must be filed by an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Tennessee to issue motor vehicle liability insurance coverage in. The minimum liability limits required in Tennessee is 25/50/10.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

When Is An SR22 Required?

Reader’s Question:

Is SR22 only required for DUI or DWI? are there any moving violation that an SR22 will be required?

Eddie

Thank you for asking Eddie.

The reasons that an SR-22 may be required depends upon state laws and statutes. The SR-22 in most states is required to reinstate your license after a DWI or DUI conviction and other serious moving violations.

In Oregon, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires that your insurance company file an SR-22 certificate with DMV if :

* You failed to provide proof to DMV that you have liability insurance,
* You’ve been convicted of driving without insurance,
* You’ve been involved in an uninsured accident,
* You are applying for a hardship or probationary permit, or
* At the time of reinstating your driving privileges following a DUII suspension

This is not the complete list so to get more information, you may contact your state Department of Motor Vehicle.

The SR22 is a form that shows that you have financial responsibility on your car through motor vehicle insurance. Generally it is required by the state for drivers who are high risk. Each state has their own reasons or circumstances that require a driver to acquire and maintain the SR-22. Here are some reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form:

* DUI or DWI (drunk driving or under the influence of drugs)
* serious moving violations such as reckless driving
* compiling too many DMV points in a short period of time
* being termed a habitual traffic offender
* causing an accident while uninsured
* reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation

Goodluck!

MariCAR