If you are charged with a DUI how does it affect your auto insurance?
Before we talk about how it will affect your auto insurance, let's see what legal implications a DUI charge will have.
If you are found guilty of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs, you will need to face jail time, heavy penalties and other consequences (such as community work), you will also face problems with your insurance company.
And since your driving violations are kept in a national database, you will also have to wait before you can get a license from another state. For repeat offenders, the DMV may decide to order rehabilitation or to suspend your license for life.
If you already have the coverage, your insurance company may cancel your policy, since the DMV will also cancel your driver's license. Also, you may be slapped with higher premiums (as much as 200 or 300%!) at the time you get back your driver's license and you want to renew your policy or buy from another company.
DUI = High Risk Driver
Those who have a DUI record are considered a high risk driver and this may make it difficult for you to find an insurance company that will be willing to give insurance. If you can find one, you may have to dig deeper into your pockets to pay for the premiums that have gone sky-high.
Your classification as a high risk driver will stick for as long as the DUI is listed in your driving record, no matter how carefully you drive or if you don't have any accidents thereafter.
SR22 Insurance
There are some states that require someone with a DUI charge to get what is called an SR-22 insurance. This is insurance coverage especially designed for those with a DUI charge, meaning, for drivers with the highest risks.
When you are able to reclaim your driver's license, you need to show the DMV that you have this coverage. You also need to make sure that it does not expire; otherwise, the DMV will revoke your license.
Also, there are insurance companies who don't issue SR-22s, especially the major players in the insurance industry. You may have to go to smaller insurance companies to get the coverage.
Don't Drink and Drive
The point is, if you don't want to have to deal with legal and insurance headaches not just for today but for years to come, don't drink and drive!
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