| Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many | | | | avoid filing an SR-22, because their alcohol-related |
| reasons. One of the effects of a 'driving under the | | | | offense is not immediately discovered by their car |
| influence' conviction that many people fail to realize - is | | | | insurance company. Though this does happen on |
| just how severely your car insurance rates can be | | | | occasion, insurance providers can eventually learn of a |
| affected. If you're covered by a policy at the time | | | | policyholder's DUI - even years later, and act |
| you're convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase | | | | accordingly. |
| dramatically or your policy may be canceled. If you | | | | If You've Been Convicted, Don't Wait To Shop Around |
| don't have car insurance at the time of a DUI | | | | For An SR-22 Insurance Policy |
| conviction, you may find it very difficult securing future | | | | A common mistake among those who have been |
| coverage. | | | | convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until |
| Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can | | | | their car insurance policy has been canceled before |
| affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll | | | | finding an alternative. If your current provider is |
| also describe the purpose of an SR-22 form, which | | | | canceling your policy, it's likely because they know |
| may be a requirement if you are convicted of a DUI | | | | about your DUI from your driving record at the DMV. In |
| offense and wish to legally drive again. Also, we'll offer | | | | that case, anticipate other providers discovering your |
| a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the | | | | DUI, too. |
| event that you're caught driving under the influence. | | | | It's much more difficult to find a carrier that is willing to |
| The Purpose Of An SR-22 After a DUI Offense | | | | offer an SR-22 insurance policy when you're not |
| Driving under the influence carries significant | | | | already covered. Shop early while you still have |
| consequences. If you're caught and convicted of a DUI, | | | | coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the |
| you'll likely be required to file an SR-22. In its simplest | | | | larger, established insurance carriers are unwilling to |
| form, an SR-22 is a legal statement (document) that | | | | insure you, you may want to check with the |
| validates that you have adequate car insurance | | | | independent agents in your area. |
| coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is | | | | Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead After a |
| usually returned when this statement is filed. | | | | DUI |
| Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally | | | | Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact |
| require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to | | | | on your car insurance for several years. It can |
| file an SR-22 with their local Department of Motor | | | | substantially increase your rates or cause your current |
| Vehicles (DMV). Some car insurance carriers offer | | | | provider to cancel your policy. In short, a DUI severely |
| special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers, charging | | | | limits your options. But, if a DUI conviction is in your |
| much higher premiums. Other insurers won't offer such | | | | past, don't let it dissuade you from shopping for car |
| coverage and will simply cancel a "high risk" driver's | | | | insurance. Assuming the DMV has recorded your DUI |
| policy. | | | | in their records, you'll need to pay higher premiums for |
| An SR-22 form can be obtained from your auto | | | | your policy, but, the alternative - driving without |
| insurance company (once they have decided to insure | | | | coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss |
| you) when purchasing your car insurance. | | | | and even jail time. |
| A DUI Can Remain Under The Radar - For a While | | | | Remember, while a DUI conviction can stay on your |
| Occasionally there's somewhat of a disconnect | | | | record for a decade, car insurance companies will |
| between the local court system and the local | | | | typically only use it for premium scoring for 3 years |
| department of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are | | | | (sometimes less). |
| supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in | | | | Obviously it's in everyone's best interest to just say no |
| the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to | | | | to drinking and driving. However, if you're learning this |
| happen. When a DUI offense isn't reported to a driver's | | | | lesson a bit late, it's best to know your options, plan |
| local DMV, that driver's DUI offense may remain | | | | ahead and work diligently toward putting the |
| hidden, and that driver may be able to effectively | | | | experience behind you. |