How a DUI Can Affect Your Credit

If you’re facing a recent DUI conviction, you’ve probably noticed that it has affected more of your life than you originally thought. A DUI charge won’t show up directly on your credit report, but it has lasting effects that can influence your finances for months or even years to come. From putting fees on a credit card to dealing with a higher insurance premium after the conviction, here’s how a DUI can affect your credit now and down the road.

Financial Consequences of a DUI

The good news is that a DUI conviction itself can’t show up on a credit report. A credit report only takes your financial history into consideration, so it has no way of pulling information from your criminal record. However, you may also have to pay fines, court fees, bail, and repairs to your vehicle or any property damage you caused. These debts can add up quickly, which means many people end up paying with a credit card and incurring debt. On the other hand, failure to pay court fines and penalties can result in the court sending your case to a collection agency, which will further damage your credit score.

Insurance

Your auto insurance policy plays a major role in how a DUI can affect your credit. Because insurance companies take your driving record into account when creating your policy, a DUI is likely to raise your premiums. Many states also require SR22 car insurance after a DUI. This is an added policy that assures the state you’re meeting your minimum liability requirements. SR22 insurance doesn’t directly affect your credit score, but the higher premium can make it harder for you to pay back debts or stay on top of payments. This can create an unfortunate snowball effect of worsened credit and higher insurance rates.

It’s important to stay on top of your finances in the months following a DUI conviction. Serenity Group is here to help you do just that. If you need SR22 insurance in California, Washington, or anywhere else you live, we’ll help you find a policy that works for you so that you can focus on managing the rest of your finances.