How To Get Insurance After A DUI

© Adrienne Manson All rights reserved permission must be granted by the author before any part of this article can be reproduced. Links may be used to link back to the article.

One of the most reckless acts that one can commit is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you likely know that insurance carriers are not very willing to insure a driver who has a DUI or DWI conviction under their belt. As a matter of fact, many insurance companies will drop your auto insurance coverage or refuse to renew your policy if you have been ticketed and found guilty on an intoxicated driving charge. What’s more, the indication of a DUI/DWI can remain on your driving record for as long as ten years in some states. However, there are auto insurance policies that are written specifically for those drivers with this type of bad driving history. Let’s take a look at what you can expect when shopping for auto insurance following a DUI/DWI if your insurance coverage is cancelled or not renewed by the insurer.

Naturally, you can expect to pay more for your auto insurance following a conviction for DUI/DWI.  The premiums that are calculated for all drivers are based on risk factors. Post-DUI/DWI, you will not only be assessed on risk like the likelihood of your automobile being stolen, or that you will be hit by an uninsured driver, but on the risk that you might drive while intoxicated again, and cause a serious or even fatal accident. Therefore, insurance companies now view you as the ultimate risk, and the premiums that you will be charged will be indicative of just that.  There is little that can be done to forego this increase in rates.  But if your insurance carrier decides to allow you to keep your policy following a DUI/DWI conviction and you find the premiums to be more than you can handle, you always have the option of shopping for cheaper insurance.  Many online websites have been established that allow you to compare possible rates with top companies by simply filling out a quick form.

Following your conviction for DUI/DWI, you will likely also be ordered by the court to file an SR-22 form, which is a formal proof of insurance that is required in most states. And although not all auto insurance carriers will be willing to insure you, some cannot insure you because they don’t handle SR-22 insurance policies. Thus, finding an insurance company that works with DUI/DWI drivers will be imperative when buying auto insurance after your DUI/DWI. Some drivers find that their insurance carriers must drop them because they do not offer SR-22 coverage. Either way, the paperwork involved with SR-22 policies on the part of the insurance company will also be reflected in inflated premiums.

Although there is no surefire guarantee, there are a few ways that you might lower your future auto insurance costs following DUI, including:

• Complying with all recommendations of the court, including attendance of any educational programs that have been developed for DUI/DWI convicted drivers.
• Maintaining a good driving record. Avoid getting another DUI/DWI at all costs.
• Attending a driver’s education program.
• Keeping your auto insurance in good standing. A lapse in coverage will be very detrimental to lowering your future rates.
• Having good credit. A good credit score can help lower your auto insurance rates significantly.

In sum, although a DUI/DWI on your driving record tarnishes your reputation in the eyes of most auto insurance companies, you can rebuild your driving history and overcome this major setback in life with a little persistence and patience.