Undoubtedly, a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction comes with serious repercussions, and this involves legal penalties that can affect different areas of your life. One of the important areas that a DUI will negatively affect is your car insurance.
The consequences of a DUI usually leave people with the question of how severe and long the impact will be on their auto insurance rates. Nevertheless, it is important that you understand how long this conviction affects your car insurance and what we will let you know in this guide.
What Does DUI Mean?
DUI, also known as Driving Under the influence, is the act of using a car or vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. It is very illegal and a serious offense in most jurisdictions.
In the meantime, it is important to note that DUI laws differ by region and country. Needless to say, if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration is higher than the legal limit, which is usually 0.08%, they can be charged for driving under the influence.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?
A DUI conviction can affect a person’s car insurance for a duration that varies depending on the insurance company and the state’s regulation of the policyholder. Nonetheless, it usually takes 3 to 10 years to get rid of this conviction on your driving record.
Other factors include underwriting practices, rate adjustments, and being classified as a high-risk driver. This is proof that the average duration differs and that it takes several years to get rid of it.
Factors Determining How Long Your Rate Increase Lasts
Not only does the state you live in and your insurance company affect how long your rate increase lasts, but here are some of the influencing factors:
- Driving record.
- Driver’s age.
- Time since conviction.
- Completion of DUI programs.
- Number of DUIs.
What Happens to Your Car Insurance After a DUI
Whatever happens after a DUI conviction can differ. Here are some of the things that could happen:
- Premium Increase: After a DUI conviction, your car insurance premium will significantly increase, tripling or doubling in cost.
- Policy Cancellation: Some insurance providers might decide to cancel or terminate your quote if you ever get convicted of DUI. This means that you will have to go and find a policy somewhere else.
- SR-22 Requirement: In most states, a DUI conviction will require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance provider. This is like proof or evidence of you having the minimum liability coverage needed or set by the law.
- High-Risk Driver Designation: After a DUI conviction, you will be considered a high-risk driver by insurers. Therefore, you are prone to making claims or getting involved in an accident. This will cause your insurance premium to increase as well.
- Limited Coverage Options: After you get convicted of a DUI, you might discover that your coverage options are limited, and some insurance providers do not offer coverage to drivers with DUI convictions.
How to Save Money on Insurance After a DUI
If you would like to reduce the costs associated with having a DUI conviction, here are some of the possible and effective ways that you can do so:
• Shop around
Look around for different insurance providers that offer DUI coverage for drivers. Although this may take a lot of time, it is definitely worth it.
• Consider high-risk insurance
You can consider high-risk insurance policies if you are not able to get a traditional insurance policy. Besides, you may not be able to get enough coverage with a traditional insurance quote, but high-risk insurance offers a wider coverage option. However, remember that this high-risk insurance will come with a higher premium.
• Bundle policies
For policyholders with different insurance quotes, like homeowners, auto, and renters insurance, you can bundle them together with the same insurance company to pay less and save more.
• Reducing your mileage
When you drive less, you stand a chance to reduce your insurance premiums and get discounts from insurance providers that cover low-mileage drivers.
• Keeping a clean driving record
Having and keeping a clean driving record is one of the best ways to save money after a DUI conviction. You can improve your insurance rates by making sure that your driving record is clean.
• Increase deductibles
Going for a higher deductible can help you reduce your monthly premium cost, even though you have to pay more out of pocket when you file a claim.
• Improve your credit score
In most states, insurance companies utilize the credit scores of potential policyholders to determine the insurance premium cost.
Hence, if you reduce your debt, keep track of your credit reports for mistakes, and pay your bills on time, you can be able to improve your credit score.
