How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Insurance

There are many penalties that come along with a drunk-driving conviction: jail time, probation, fines, community service, and a driver's license suspension. Did you also know that your automobile insurance may also be affected by a DUI or DWI conviction?

Most states in the U.S. require that a DUI offender obtain an SR-22 form from his or her auto insurance company. This form shows the Department of Motor Vehicles that you have valid liability insurance so they may lift your driver's license suspension. The SR-22 also requires the insurance company to notify the DMV should your auto insurance be cancelled. You will typically have to file this proof of insurance for three to five years with the DMV.

There are some automobile insurance companies that do not offer SR-22 policies. This means that your insurance may be cancelled after a DUI conviction.

Because auto insurance companies typically only check your driving record once every three years, it is possible that your DUI conviction may slide through the cracks. As a matter of fact, nearly one-quarter of driving convictions never end up on your driving record due to a lack of communication between courts and the DMV. If your DUI charge is reduced due to a plea bargain or you have a limited license suspension, this will also reduce the odds of the insurer finding out about your DUI conviction.

However, if your insurance company discovers your DUI and puts you into the high-risk driver category, your insurance rates will skyrocket or your policy may be cancelled altogether. This means that you will have to shop for new insurance with a DUI and a cancellation on your motor vehicle record.

Even if your auto insurance company does not catch your conviction at the time it occurs, they may still raise your rates a few years after the fact.

Your auto insurance is not the only thing that is affected by a DUI conviction; in fact, your life insurance premiums may be raised if your company finds out about your conviction.

If you are interested in discussing how a DUI conviction affects your auto insurance, please contact a qualified DUI defense lawyer today.

States/Abbreviations
AK	Alaska	LA	Louisiana	OH	Ohio
AL	Alabama	MA	Massachusetts	OK	Oklahoma
AR	Arkansas	MD	Maryland	OR	Oregon
AZ	Arizona	ME	Maine	PA	Pennsylvania
CA	California	MI	Michigan	RI	Rhode Island
CO	Colorado	MN	Minnesota	SC	South Carolina
CT	Connecticut	MO	Missouri	SD	South Dakota
DE	Delaware	MS	Mississippi	TN	Tennessee
FL	Florida	MT	Montana	TX	Texas
GA	Georgia	NC	North Carolina	UT	Utah
HI	Hawaii	ND	North Dakota	VT	Vermont
IA	Iowa	NE	Nebraska	VA	Virginia
ID	Idaho	NH	New Hampshire	WA	Washington State
IL	Illinois	NJ	New Jersey	WI	Wisconsin
IN	Indiana	NM	New Mexico	WV	West Virginia
KS	Kansas	NV	Nevada	WY	Wyoming
KY	Kentucky	NY	New York	DC	Washington DC