blog DUI How Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance?

How Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance?

By Colorado Attorney-at-law on November 30, 2024

A DUI conviction usually results in a noticeable spike in your car insurance premiums. Insurers categorize drivers with a DUI as high-risk, meaning they are more likely to file claims that will cost them money, and this perception leads to increased rates.

Navigating the world of auto insurance after a DUI can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to make it more manageable and even lower those high rates. For one, maintaining a clean driving record post-DUI can gradually improve your standing with insurers. In general, driving safely over time can demonstrate responsibility, which can potentially lead to lower rates.

Immediate Impact of a DUI on Your Car Insurance

Significant Premium Increases After a DUI Conviction

On average, drivers with a DUI can see their premiums jump by 50 to 100 percent, depending on the insurer and state regulations. For instance, if you were paying $1,200 annually before a DUI, you might end up paying between $1,800 and $2,400 afterward.

Loss of Standard Coverage Options

After a DUI conviction, you might face the challenge of losing your standard car insurance coverage. Many insurers are hesitant to cover high-risk drivers, which could also lead to policy cancellations.

How Long Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance Rates?

The Duration of Increased Premiums

The increase in car insurance premiums due to a DUI conviction isn’t permanent, but it can last a long time. Generally, a DUI will affect your car insurance rates for three to 10 years, depending on state laws and insurance company policies. During this period, insurers continue to view you as a high-risk driver, which means you’re likely to face higher premiums.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Risk and Set Premiums

A DUI conviction significantly influences risk assessment. For insurers to determine your premium rates, they evaluate your driving history, including the number of years since your DUI conviction. Moreover, in addition to your DUI history, insurers consider age, location, vehicle type, and overall driving record.

What Is SR-22 Insurance and How Does It Relate to a DUI?

What Is SR-22 and Why Is It Required?

Following a DUI conviction, you may be required to file an SR-22, a form that proves you have the minimum amount of car insurance required by your state. The SR-22 is not an insurance policy; it’s a certificate filed by your insurer, which often leads to higher premiums due to its association with high-risk driving. The length of time you will need to use an SR-22 is determined by state law.

Can You Get Affordable Car Insurance After a DUI?

Strategies for Lower Car Insurance Premiums After a DUI

Lowering car insurance premiums after a DUI is challenging but not impossible. One effective strategy is completing a defensive driving course. Reducing your mileage can also lead to lower premiums since less time on the road means less probability of accidents.

Comparing Car Insurance Quotes After a DUI Conviction

It’s a good idea to regularly compare quotes from several insurance providers. Each company has its own criteria for assessing risk, and this can result in different pricing structures. Engaging with insurers that specialize in high-risk policies might also offer more competitive rates.

Can a DUI Be Expunged to Lower Insurance Rates?

Does Expungement Help Reduce Car Insurance Rates?

Expungement is a legal process that removes a DUI conviction from public view. Once a DUI is expunged, it is no longer visible to insurance companies, which might result in lower insurance rates.

Some states allow expungement of both misdemeanor and felony DUIs, while others limit expungement to misdemeanor DUI convictions. While expungement doesn’t guarantee immediate rate reductions, it can help over time, especially when combined with other strategies, like avoiding any new driving-related infractions or offenses.

Understanding the Expungement Process

The expungement process begins with determining if you’re eligible. Generally, you must complete all the terms of your DUI sentence, such as paying fines and finishing probation. Then, you file a petition with the court, which includes paperwork detailing your request for expungement.

A hearing may be scheduled where a judge reviews your case and decides whether to grant the expungement. If approved, your record will be updated to show that the DUI was dismissed. This doesn’t erase the conviction, but it does mean it’s no longer publicly accessible. The process can vary by state, so it’s wise to consult an attorney who has experience with DUI cases and is familiar with local laws.

What Are Your Options if You Can’t Afford High Car Insurance Rates?

Exploring State-Mandated Insurance Programs for High-Risk Drivers

For drivers with a DUI, high-risk insurance programs can offer a temporary solution to manage elevated premiums. These state-mandated programs provide essential coverage, ensuring you meet legal requirements, but they typically come with higher costs due to the increased risk.

Eligibility for state-mandated insurance programs often involves having a valid driver’s license and proof of failed attempts to secure insurance elsewhere. One such program is the California Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP), which is designed for those struggling to find coverage on the open market. Coverage includes liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist protection, ensuring compliance with state laws.

Additional Ways to Lower Insurance Costs After a DUI

Another strategy for reducing auto insurance premiums after a DUI conviction is exploring discounts such as low-mileage plans and bundling car insurance with other policies such as homeowners insurance. Continuing to maintain a safe driving history after your DUI will lead to long-term savings.

Speak With One of Our Breckenridge DUI Defense Lawyers

When it comes to defending clients charged with DUI, attorneys Kylie Whitaker and Ehren Penix at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, have a successful track record. We’ll pursue a legal strategy designed to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

Our firm has an A+ rating from the Colorado Better Business Bureau, and Kylie was selected as a Colorado Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Schedule a FREE consultation with our experienced Breckenridge DUI defense attorneys today by calling (970) 368-0602.

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