How a DUI Affects Your Insurance

A DUI conviction comes with a lot of different consequences. One repercussion that can cost you a lot over time is the change in your auto insurance. Driving under the influence—like any other major traffic violation—will likely result in a spike in your insurance premium. This means a more expensive policy for the foreseeable future. A DUI can change a lot in your life, which is why it’s important to understand the kinds of consequences you may be facing. Learn more about how a DUI affects your insurance with this guide.

Driving Record

Auto insurance providers look at your driving record to determine how much of a risk you are behind the wheel. If you have a serious violation such as a DUI on your record, it warns your insurance company that you might cost them a lot of money should you do something like that again. To save themselves the cost of a future incident, insurance companies may factor the conviction into your policy and charge a higher premium. A DUI can continue to affect your insurance rates for years, depending on your insurance provider and how long your state keeps the incident on record.

SR22 Insurance

In most states, a DUI conviction will also lead to an SR22 requirement. This is a way for the state to guarantee you’re meeting their minimum liability insurance requirements. The actual SR22 certificate doesn’t cost much, but it will be a part of your policy for the duration of your requirement—anywhere from one to five years, depending on where you live. For example, if you need SR22 insurance in California, you’ll need to meet California’s minimum liability requirements for the next three years. Failure to keep up with these requirements means the state will suspend your license, and you’ll have to start the SR22 process over again.

When you know how a DUI affects your insurance, you can prepare yourself to handle the situation and preserve your budget as much as possible. Be sure to work with Serenity Group to find quotes and to create the best auto insurance policy for you and your circumstances.