How Will A DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates And Coverage?
A DUI, or any other similar crime, can have a lot of effects on your life. It can leave you with a criminal record, for example, and it can cause you to have to pay fines and attend alcohol counseling courses. Additionally, a DUI can affect your car insurance rates and coverage. If you are worried about this, here are several things you should understand about DUIs and the effects they can have on a person's auto insurance.
A DUI Makes You a High-Risk Driver
When you get driving tickets, such as a speeding ticket or anything like this, it is placed on your driving record immediately and will stay there for around three years. One ticket typically will not affect your rates a whole lot, but getting charged with a DUI will, primarily because it is a major driving offense. A DUI is not only a driving offense, but it is also a criminal offense. When you drive under the influence, you are not only putting yourself in a high-risk situation, but you are also threatening the safety of others. Because of this, getting a DUI will make you a high-risk driver, and this means you will face challenges that high-risk drivers face.
Your Insurance Company Will Know
Secondly, when this happens, your insurance company will be notified about your DUI. When this occurs, it will change your risk level with them, and this means that your rates will likely increase. At this point, you could accept the rate increase to continue having coverage, or you are free to look around for an insurance policy with another company. No matter what, though, it is likely you will pay more for insurance due to the DUI.
You Could Lose Your Driving Privileges or Face SR22 Requirements
The other thing to understand is that some people will lose their driving privileges as a result of a DUI, especially in situations where a person has had DUIs in the past. If you do not lose your driver's license, you may face the penalty of having to purchase SR22 insurance, which is also a form of high-risk auto insurance. SR-22 is not optional if you need it, though, and it will usually cost more than basic car insurance coverage.
If you are currently facing DUI charges, you should understand the effects this can have on your driving privileges and your auto insurance rates.
