There are numerous consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in our society today, but probably the most costly are the DUI insurance costs. Not only will most carriers either cancel a policy or raise the rates, but also in some cases, the state adds an insurance surcharge to their fines and penalties to assist those in accidents with non-insured drivers. Altogether, a DUI arrest could end up costing someone $5,000 to $10,000 before the consequences begin to fade.
Insurance Company Consequences
Once an insurance company learns that one of its insured drivers has been convicted of a DUI charge, they will make changes to the policy of the insured. Those changes depend on their relationship with the driver, the policies of the state, and the policies of the company. In most states, someone convicted of DUI will be moved into the standard rate category, with their rates raised as much as $1,500 per year for three to five years.
However, some insurers may immediately cancel the policy of someone who has a DUI record. That may not happen often, but there are some companies that refuse to take a chance. Others will simply not renew a policy when it is due if the holder has a DUI record.
Finally, in order to have a suspended license reinstated, many states require an SR22 form showing evidence of the required insurance. Some firms charge a small fee for that form, but other firms simply do not or cannot supply them. The driver then must find a new insurer, which can be difficult for someone with a DUI record. They may have to use their state’s high-risk pool, which can be costly as well.
The Truth about Driving Records
There may be some instances where someone convicted of a DUI does not see their rates go up immediately. Than can occur for several reasons:
- The courts do not communicate with the DMV well and the conviction doesn’t show up
- The charge was dismissed as a result of successful completion of driving school or some other means
- The charges are reduced through a plea bargain
- The courts in that state do not require an SR22 proof of insurance form
In some instances, the report never reaches a driver’s insurance company, while in others, it may not do so for months or even years. Drivers can be sure, however, that once their insurance company receives the news, there will be a swift and decisive reaction, often in the form of rapidly raised rates.
Getting Legal Help with DUI Insurance Costs
There is very little an attorney can do to prevent an insurance company from raising the rates on a driver’s policy. However, at the very beginning of the process, a dedicated attorney can fight for a plea bargain or a dismissal, although that is generally only possible for a first offense. The best defense against rising insurance rates is to find an alternative to leaving a DUI conviction on their DMV record, and a skilled DUI attorney is the best source of that kind of help.
