Understanding Auto Insurance Options After A Dwi

If you have a DUI or DWI, you will likely face higher insurance rates or even lose your insurance policy. DUI insurance refers to the increase in car insurance rates and requirements like filing an SR-22 form to prove you have insurance. You may also need to find an insurer that will file an SR-22 for you, and you can expect to pay higher rates for several years. DUI insurance isn't a specific type of insurance, but rather a term for auto insurance after a DUI, which can be expensive and difficult to find.

DUI insurance is more expensive

A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will have a significant impact on your auto insurance. While some insurance carriers will refuse to cover you, those that do offer coverage will likely charge significantly higher premiums than you would pay without a conviction.

The amount your car insurance will go up after a DUI depends on your insurer and your location. The increase can range from 28% to 371% depending on the state, with a DUI conviction leading to an average premium hike of 80%, or $1,163. In California, your auto insurance rates will increase by about 165% after a DUI, while the average premium increase across the U.S. is 65%. In Florida, a first-time DUI offense could cost you as much as $1,000 in fines.

For car insurance companies, a DUI conviction is among the most serious indicators of risky driving habits. As a result, an alcohol-related driving conviction can cause your car insurance premiums to increase substantially. DUI insurance is not a specific type of insurance, but rather any auto insurance policy you have after a DUI offense.

In most states, drivers with a DUI may be required to file an SR-22 form. This is not an insurance policy but a certificate filed by your insurance company that states you are maintaining minimum liability insurance coverage. If you live in Florida or Virginia, you may need an FR-44 certification instead of an SR-22.

How long a DUI conviction stays on your record varies by state, but it will affect your insurance rates for as long as it remains on your driving record. In most states, a DUI will fall off" your driving record within five years, but in many states, it will persist for 10 years. In Florida, it will remain on your record for 75 years, and in Alaska, it will remain forever.

If your insurance company cancels your policy or makes your premiums unaffordable after a DUI, you can try getting quotes from other insurers or shopping for the lowest premiums. You can also try increasing your deductible, bundling your policies, or adjusting your payment method.

You may need SR-22 insurance

If you have a DUI or DWI, you may need to file an SR-22 form, which is a document from your insurance company that proves you have the legally required minimum liability insurance. An SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a form that your insurance company must file on your behalf. You will know if you need to file an SR-22 because a court or your state will tell you if it's required.

Not all insurance companies offer SR-22s, so you may need to switch insurance carriers to find an insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers. Progressive, for example, insures drivers with a DUI violation and can file an SR-22 immediately if necessary.

An SR-22 is required in most states, but if you live in Florida or Virginia, you may need an FR-44 certification instead. An FR-44 has much higher liability coverage requirements than an SR-22.

You will typically need to maintain your SR-22 "proof of insurance" for three years. If you let your insurance lapse, the SR-22 will be revoked and your license will be re-suspended.

Your insurer may drop you

Your insurer may choose to drop you if you are convicted of a DUI or DWI. This is because you will be considered a high-risk driver, and insurance companies may not want to take on the risk of covering you.

If your insurer drops you, it is important that you find a new policy as soon as possible. This is because driving without insurance is illegal, and you will face heavy fines if caught. Additionally, if you are involved in a crash while uninsured, you will be personally liable for all the costs.

Reasons for Being Dropped

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they do so by hedging against risk. If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI, your insurance company will see you as a high-risk driver and will be more likely to cancel your policy or significantly increase your premiums. This is because a DUI or DWI indicates that you are more likely to be involved in an accident or receive another conviction in the future.

Difficulty Finding a New Insurer

If your insurer drops you after a DUI or DWI conviction, you may find it difficult to find a new insurance company that is willing to cover you. This is because you will be seen as a high-risk driver, and many insurance companies will be reluctant to take on the additional risk. However, some companies specialise in providing insurance for high-risk drivers, so it is important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers.

Increased Premiums

Even if you are able to find a new insurance company, you will likely face significantly higher premiums. This is because insurance companies will view you as a high-risk driver and will charge you more to offset the increased risk. You may also be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which will further increase your rates.

You may need to shop around for a new insurer

A DUI conviction can make it harder to find car insurance, and you may need to shop around for a new insurer. This is because a DUI conviction means you are considered a high-risk driver, and some insurance companies will refuse to cover you.

Your current insurer could also decide not to renew your policy, or offer a renewal with different terms, such as a higher premium. However, there are insurance companies that will cover drivers with a DUI conviction, including Progressive, State Farm, and The General.

It's worth comparing quotes from different carriers to find the lowest rates for your situation and coverage needs. You may also need to look at high-risk car insurance companies, especially if this is not your first DUI or you have other issues on your driving record.

If you live in the US, you may be required to file an SR-22 form or, in Florida and Virginia, an FR-44 form, to prove you have the required minimum coverage. Not all insurance companies offer these, so you may need to switch to a specialist insurer.

Your license may be suspended

A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including losing your license. The impact on your driving privileges will depend on several factors, including the number of prior convictions, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and the state where the offence took place. Here's what you need to know about potential license suspension:

First DUI Offence

In most states, your license will be suspended for a specific period following a first DUI conviction. The length of the suspension varies by state and can range from seven days to one year. In Virginia, for example, a first DUI conviction results in a 12-month license suspension, while in other states, the suspension period may be shorter. During this time, you may be able to obtain a restricted license, which allows for limited driving to certain places, such as work or school. To get your full driving privileges reinstated, you may need to meet certain requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device (IID) and completing a rehabilitation program.

Second DUI Offence

A second DUI offence typically leads to a longer license suspension. In Virginia, for instance, a second DUI conviction may result in a three-year license suspension. After a certain waiting period, you may be able to petition the court for restricted driving privileges. The waiting period can range from four months to one year, depending on how recent the second DUI offence occurred. As with a first offence, you may need to install an IID and meet other requirements to regain your driving privileges.

Third DUI Offence

A third DUI conviction can result in even harsher penalties, including an indefinite license suspension. In Virginia, for example, a third DUI leads to an indefinite license suspension, with no automatic timeframe for reinstatement. You may be eligible to petition the court to reinstate your driving privileges after a certain period, typically five years. Obtaining a restricted license for limited driving privileges is usually not an option until after three years. During this time, you will need to find alternative means of transportation, as there are typically no exceptions to the driving ban.

Impact on Insurance

It's important to note that a DUI conviction will not only result in license suspension but also have significant implications for your auto insurance. You will likely be classified as a high-risk driver, leading to higher insurance rates and more limited coverage options. Additionally, you may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which proves that you meet the minimum insurance requirements. Finding affordable insurance after a DUI can be challenging, and you may need to compare rates from multiple providers to find the best option for your situation.

Frequently asked questions