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Will my insurance increase after a DUI arrest?
Question:
Will my insurance increase after a DUI arrest?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Of all the consequences that follow an arrest charge for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or drugs, the most costly of them are the insurance costs. To make things difficult from the beginning, most insurance carriers will cancel your policy. If they fail to do that they won't fail to raise your rates exorbitantly. But the most difficult to endure will be the insurance surcharge that some states will add to your insurance as part of your fine that goes toward assisting other who are in accidents with non-insured drivers. One way or the other there will be an insurance increase after a DUI arrest. In total, following a DUI arrest, the costs to you can range between $5,000 and $10,000 before the consequences for the charge finally disappear.
Once your insurance company is made aware that you have been convicted of a DUI they will commence their changes to your policy. The changes will depend in large part on their relationship to you, your state's policies, and the company's policies regarding DUIs. The results for those in most states is to be moved into the standard rate category and having your rates raised by as much as $1,500 a year for anywhere between three and five years.
It is also possible that the insurance company will simply cancel your policy. That may be their procedure for anyone with a DUI record. It may not be a common occurrence, but it isn't unusual for a company to simply not want to take the chance. Other companies will take the next easy step of not renewing your policy when it comes due.
But, when it comes to insurance and the DUI driver, it is usually the case that in order for you to have your license reinstated following a suspension you will be required to complete an SR22 from. This provides evidence that you have the required insurance. Some insurance companies may charge a small fee for this additional form while other won't be able to provide you with it at all. This means you will be forced to find a new insurance carrier, which can be difficult if you have a DUI record. In that case you may be forced into using your state's high-risk pool, and this will be an added expense as well.
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