How to Find Information on a DUI and Car Insurance

A major issue facing those convicted of a DUI charge is the higher cost of car insurance. There is no way to stop your DUI conviction from affecting the car insurance rates you pay. Depending on the severity of the charge, your car insurance rates may increase significantly. Here's how to find information on how a DUI affects your insurance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ask your attorney how your DUI affects your car insurance. You have the right not to inform your insurance company in the early stages of a DUI charge. In general, the last people you want to ask about your DUI affecting your car insurance are your insurers. Your premiums will increase immediately, and your policy could be canceled altogether.
2. Pay your car insurance premiums on time every month and renew your policy as usual. Be ready, however, to see a big increase in those premiums if you are convicted of a DUI.
3. If your policy is canceled, higher-risk-driver companies specialize in covering so-called risky drivers. However, be prepared to face car insurance premiums that are several times higher than your current rates.
4. Try to get your record expunged as soon as possible after your conviction. This may be years down the road, but it will allow you to apply for regular insurance again and receive better rates than the higher-risk-driver companies offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you get on the phone to your insurance company after an accident, consult your attorney. You don't need to let your car insurance company know about the traffic stop, but you do need inform them about a DUI conviction.
• Some states require those arrested on DUI charges to fill out a certificate of insurance. These certificates usually alerts an insurer to the fact that you may be facing a DUI charge.
• Some insurance companies will outright drop a driver from their rolls upon conviction, affecting the driver's ability to be insured for driving. Before you speak with your insurance company, get advice from your legal counsel.
• Your car insurance rates may stay high for years to come. Every company is different, but most insurance companies will not lower the rates of those convicted of a DUI.