How a drunk driving conviction affects your insurance
If you are convicted of drunk driving, auto insurance rates will probably go up for at least three years in most states, and you will probably learn a lot about something called an SR-22.
If your state charges you with driving under the influence, driving drunk, or driving a drunk vehicle if you are convicted of one of these offenses, your insurance rates will likely increase before you are allowed to drive again.
SR22 insurance laws vary by state
Penalties for drunk driving vary from state to state. However, in all states, your driving privileges will be suspended for at least 30 days if you are found guilty of impaired driving. one year, even on the first offense.
In most states, you must provide the licensing agency with an SR-22 form showing that you have automobile liability insurance in order to regain your driver's license and privileges. Under SR-22, the insurance company must notify the licensing agency, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles, when the policy is canceled, terminated or expires.
Their insurance premiums could triple
If you contact your auto insurance agency to get an SR-22 form, your company will consider you a "high-risk driver" and raise your insurance premiums. This is especially true if you were previously in a "preferred class" or received safe driver discounts.
If you are convicted of drunk driving, your car insurance premiums can double and even triple in some states. You may want to shop around; Some companies specialize in high-risk policies.
Not all businesses offer SR-22 policies
Some insurance companies do not offer SR-22 policies. If you are convicted of drunk driving and your company does not offer SR-22, the company will cancel or renew your current policy. You need to find another company that offers SR-22, and if you do, you can count on your rates being higher because you also have a cancellation of your claims history.
Some states have laws that prohibit insurance companies from canceling policies before the deadline, even if you are convicted of a drunk driving charge. Check your state's laws.
How long will your prices go up?
Again, laws vary from state to state, but in general, a drunk driving conviction will affect your insurance status for at least three years for a first offense in most states. Time is much longer for subsequent convictions.
Many states now have driving laws that provide "enhanced" fines for special circumstances, z. B. If someone was injured, if there was a child in the vehicle, if the blood alcohol concentration exceeded a certain level, or if it was lower. 21 years old. At the time of your arrest.
For example, in all 50 states, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 is the level considered legally intoxicated. However, in 40 states, penalties for a DUI conviction are doubled if the driver registers a "high" BAC (generally over 0.15 or 0.20).
How can you avoid an increase in interest rates?
Higher rates for car insurance only come into play when you want to restore your driver's privileges. You can avoid these additional costs by walking or taking public transportation. In some states, mopeds are still allowed to operate without a license.