The Car Insurance Implications of Your DUI Conviction

Not that long ago, local and state authorities looked at driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor violation that warranted nothing more than a stern warning and a promise to never do it again. This practice did nothing more than encourage drunk drivers to continue their reckless practices without the threat of jail time or even having their driver licenses revoked.

However, in recent years, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) began to publicly voice their concerns about drunk driving. Slowly but surely, state and federal laws were enacted to stop drunk driving. Although drunk driving is still a common occurrence, it no longer goes unnoticed and is punishable with the loss of your driving privileges – and your freedom.

If you’ve been caught drinking and driving, you’ve probably paid your debt to society and wonder exactly what auto insurance implications of your DUI conviction you have yet to face.
How Car Insurance Companies View Your DUI Conviction

Car insurance companies view drivers convicted of driving under the influence as high-risk policy holders, and with good reason. According to MADD, 30 percent of all weekday fatal car crashes are related to drinking and driving; and 51 percent of all fatal weekend automobile accidents are alcohol-related. Therefore, when you drink and drive, you risk putting yourself in the highest category of high-risk drivers, and losing a chance at affordable car insurance quotes for 7 years and beyond.

Because car insurance companies immediately impose higher premiums on drivers with DUI convictions, many people who get caught drinking and driving simply stop paying their auto insurance. Additionally, car insurance companies have the legal right to cancel your policy as soon as they are notified by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you’ve been caught drinking and driving.

Furthermore, many states have granted police officers the authority to suspend or cancel a drunk driver’s license immediately following an automobile accident. Although these situations are bleak in terms of getting you back and forth to work, there is something you can do to get back on the road after your DUI conviction.
An SR-22 Helps Auto Insurance Implications Of Your DUI Conviction

An SR-22 is a two-fold form that helps you get back behind the wheel after you have been caught drinking and driving. First, the SR-22 ensures that you maintain state-mandated auto insurance coverage after your DUI conviction, because once you receive it from your insurance company, you must present it to the DMV to get your driver’s license back. For the duration of your SR-22 filing period, generally 1 to 3 years, your car insurance company is legally bound to notify the DMV if it cancels your coverage for any reason. Then, the DMV can automatically revoke your license for the cancellation of coverage.

Second, the SR-22 makes it impossible for you to get out of another DUI conviction without your insurance company finding out about the offense. This practice is in place to deter you from considering drunk driving ever again. Although it might seem harsh, SR-22 filings are aimed to keep you from drinking and driving for your own safety and for the safety of all others on the road.
What To Do If Your Car Insurance Company Cancels Your Coverage

You now know that your car insurance company can cancel your policy after you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. Some states legally allow car insurance companies to cancel your policy in the middle of coverage that you have already paid for, while other states make car insurance companies issue you a formal notice of non-renewal when your current policy expires, if that particular car insurance company does not offer SR-22 insurance policies.
Car Insurance: Don’t Let Your DUI Conviction Stop You From Driving

If you have a problem with alcohol, then get the help you need to stay sober. It’s perfectly respectable to admit mistakes in life, learn from them and move on to become a better person. One way to earn the respect of others is to find a car insurance company that will issue you a SR-22 insurance policy at a affordable rate, allowing drivers to continue working every day Luckily, you do not have to look very far to find a forgiving car insurance company that will equip you with the SR-22 you need to show the DMV that you are serious about never driving drunk again.

At My Car Insurance Rates, input your zip code, some basic personal contact information, DUI conviction date and vehicle make, model and year to get started. MyCarInsuranceRates.com will search the best car insurance companies to get you the best price on SR-22 insurance, so you can get back on the road – and get on with your life.