How Does a DUI Affect Insurance Rates?
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State laws
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The punishments for driving under the influence differ from state to state, but each state will suspend your license from 30 days to one year. To regain your license, you must fill out a SR-22 form to prove that you have auto insurance and submit it to a licensing agency. The insurance company is required by law to inform the licensing agency if your insurance expires or is cancelled.
Insurance premiums
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You must obtain the SR-22 form from your insurance agency. This informs the agency that you were drinking and driving, and will mark you as a high risk driver. The insurance company will up your insurance rates because you will no longer be considered a safe driver. A conviction of a DUI or DWI could result in doubled or tripled premiums. However, there are a few insurance companies that deal with high-risk drivers. It is important to note that not all insurance companies will provide an SR-22, and upon request will cancel or refuse renewal of your policy. While it varies from state to state, a DUI will most likely remain on your record for at least three years.
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Stay safe
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Please do not drink and drive. Drinking and driving is idiotic. Not only does it risk your own life and that of others, it will also increase your insurance rates, and include possible jail time. No life, yours or that of any other is worth getting into a car when you have been drinking.
Most state laws include harsher penalties for drunk drivers, especially if a child is in the car, someone is injured, you are under 21, or if your blood alcohol level is above a certain percentage. In much of the United States, .08 is considered legally intoxicated, and in 40 states the penalties are doubled if the levels are .15 to .20 or higher.
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Resources
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