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Posts Tagged Driving

DUI Car Insurance: Top Five Questions After a Drunk Driving Arrest

Oct 13

Posted by admin in SR22 Insurance Houston | Comments off

Getting DUI car insurance is one of the biggest concerns people have after a drunk driving arrest. Many people are unaware of the consequences of drunk driving on their auto insurance rates.

Here are the 5 most frequently asked questions:

1. What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a DUI?
When you are arrested for drunk driving, you will face two possible scenarios from your current insurance provider:

1) Your current insurance rates will significantly increase.

or

2) Your current insurance policy will be canceled.

If your current policy is canceled, you will be required to switch to another provider. This is because it is illegal for you to have a registered vehicle without motor insurance.

However, before you can purchase a new auto insurance policy, you will have to fill out an SR-22 insurance form.

An SR-22 form is required for all DUI drivers before they can purchase an auto insurance policy. Submitting the SR-22 form to an insurance company lets them know that you were arrested for drunk driving. Once you submit the form, your insurance rates will increase dramatically.

2. Why Are DUI Auto Insurance Rates So Expensive?
The answer is simple: Higher Risk.

When your purchase a car insurance policy the insurance companies ask themselves “How risky is it to insure you?” “How likely is this person to be in an accident?”

That is why insurance companies use various factors ( such as age, type of vehicle, driving record) to determine your risk level and how much to charge you.

The higher the risk, the more expensive your car insurance.

Getting arrested for drunk driving shows that you are a risky driver and that is why insurance companies charge a lot for DUI car insurance.

3. How Much Will My Insurance Increase?
Your DUI car insurance rates will be between three to five times higher over the next three years. Why three years? This is because more insurance companies review your driving record every three years.

4. How Long will a DUI Stay on my Record?
When you are arrested for drunk driving, a DUI is put on both your criminal record and your driving record.

Every incident on your driving record is assigned a point value. For example. a speeding ticket will give you one point on your driving record and will stay there for three years. However, a DUI will give you two points on your driving record and will remain on your record for 10 years. After 10 years, your DUI will be erased from your driving record.

Depending your state laws, your DUI criminal record may take longer to clear

 

5. Is There a way to Decrease my Car Insurance Rates?
Paying for DUI car insurance rates can end up costing your thousands of dollars. However, there are few ways to reduce the high costs so you can save more money. One of the simplest thing you can do is to avoid any accidents or traffic violations. The cleaner your driving record the better your chances of reducing your payments.

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Driving Under The Influence (DUI) And Car Insurance Don’t Mix

Aug 12

Posted by admin in SR22 Insurance Houston | Comments off

Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many reasons. One of the effects of a ‘driving under the influence’ conviction that many people fail to realize – is just how severely your car insurance rates can be affected. If you’re covered by a policy at the time you’re convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase dramatically or your policy may be canceled. If you don’t have car insurance at the time of a DUI conviction, you may find it very difficult securing future coverage.

Below, you’ll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We’ll also describe the purpose of an SR-22 form, which may be a requirement if you are convicted of a DUI offense and wish to legally drive again. Also, we’ll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event that you’re caught driving under the influence.

The Purpose Of An SR-22 After a DUI Offense

Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. If you’re caught and convicted of a DUI, you’ll likely be required to file an SR-22. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a legal statement (document) that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender’s suspended driver’s license is usually returned when this statement is filed.

Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some car insurance carriers offer special SR-22 coverage for “high risk” drivers, charging much higher premiums. Other insurers won’t offer such coverage and will simply cancel a “high risk” driver’s policy.

An SR-22 form can be obtained from your auto insurance company (once they have decided to insure you) when purchasing your car insurance.

A DUI Can Remain Under The Radar – For a While

Occasionally there’s somewhat of a disconnect between the local court system and the local department of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. When a DUI offense isn’t reported to a driver’s local DMV, that driver’s DUI offense may remain hidden, and that driver may be able to effectively avoid filing an SR-22, because their alcohol-related offense is not immediately discovered by their car insurance company. Though this does happen on occasion, insurance providers can eventually learn of a policyholder’s DUI – even years later, and act accordingly.

If You’ve Been Convicted, Don’t Wait To Shop Around For An SR-22 Insurance Policy

A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their car insurance policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If your current provider is canceling your policy, it’s likely because they know about your DUI from your driving record at the DMV. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.

It’s much more difficult to find a carrier that is willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy when you’re not already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established insurance carriers are unwilling to insure you, you may want to check with the independent agents in your area.

Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead After a DUI

Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. In short, a DUI severely limits your options. But, if a DUI conviction is in your past, don’t let it dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. Assuming the DMV has recorded your DUI in their records, you’ll need to pay higher premiums for your policy, but, the alternative – driving without coverage – can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.

Remember, while a DUI conviction can stay on your record for a decade, car insurance companies will typically only use it for premium scoring for 3 years (sometimes less).

Obviously it’s in everyone’s best interest to just say no to drinking and driving. However, if you’re learning this lesson a bit late, it’s best to know your options, plan ahead and work diligently toward putting the experience behind you.

Kade Phillips is a contributing writer for Kanetix.com, a powerful free Insurance Quote Comparison Service. Find out how to lower your car insurance bills. Visit us for Best Auto Insurance, California Car Insurance & Car Insurance Quotes.

Article from articlesbase.com

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