After a DUI

After a DUI, everything about your driving life changes, especially in regard to your car insurance. In fact, the increase in insurance rates is the highest cost attached to DUI or DWI charges. For example, in California, charges can stack up to more than $12,000, including fines, penalties, car tow and impound charges, alcohol education classes, victim restitution, DMV license reissue fees, booking/ fingerprinting/ photo fees, attorney and legal fees, and of course, increases in car insurance premiums. If your insurance company does not drop you altogether, you are reclassified as 'high risk' and your rates will skyrocket – doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling depending upon the company.

Get your FREE auto insurance quote today >>

So how can you get decent car insurance rates after a DUI? There are a few different things that you can do.

• Wait it out. Depending on the state you live in, your DUI may remain on your record for anywhere from three to ten years. Insurance companies usually only factor DUI points into your rate equation for three years. However, as long as the DUI is on your driving record, it will affect your car insurance rates and even whith carriers who will accept you as a client. Once it is gone, so is its effect on your car insurance rates.
• Hope. If you already have car insurance, it is possible that your insurance provider will not see the DUI on your record and will neither raise your rates nor drop you. There is no law saying that you must report it, but there is a law that if an insurance company is going to let you go or increase your rate payments, they have to do it within three years of the incident.
  Do not count on this, though. Most states require that you file an SR-22 form, which states that you are fully covered by an insurance company. If your insurance company does not see this, they will know that something is up and find out exactly what it is.
• Keep your record clean. Whether it be your driving record or your credit record, make sure it says that you are a careful driver and that your unfortunate DUI incident was a one-time mistake that was uncharacteristic and will not be repeated.
• Apply for discounts. If you insure a school-aged driver and he or she makes good grades, ask your insurance provider if that qualifies you for a discount. Install high end car alarms in your car or secure a permanent parking space in a covered garage at home and at work. Remain employed and get promoted. Make sure that your insurance provider is aware of all these aspects of your portfolio and see if that they offer you a discount. Also, ask what you can do to lower your rates. If there is anything you are eligible for, they should let you know.
• Do not add individuals to your policy who also have DUI convictions. This will only make your rates higher. If you have a choice, avoid it.

Though many insurers will not accept clients with a DUI on their record, there are some that do. Both esurance and The General offer insurance policies to high risk drivers. Both are reputable, and The General even specializes in these insurance coverages. Take your time to comparison shop and fully explore your options.

Get a FREE car insurance quote today >>