Car insurers take driving under the influence (DUI) as a serious conviction because it can lead to harm of the driver, as well as to others. A driver with a DUI conviction will be considered a high-risk driver by any auto insurance company. Therefore, the DUI affects the car insurance with increased costs. In some cases, the car insurance company may even cancel an existing policy.
Following the charge, the insurance rates will remain higher than normal for at least 5 years. After the conviction, most jurisdictions require you to obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company in order to retain your driving privileges. The SR-22 form requires proof of financial responsibility. The insurance company must provide the SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Most car insurance companies will charge an additional fee for the filing of the SR-22 form, in addition to the higher car insurance rates. After a DUI charge, the car insurance will increase based on the person’s own individual DUI situation.
For repeated offenders, there is not much to do but pay it. For a first DUI conviction, there may be instances where you might experience only a slight increase in the car insurance rates. Here are some ways to keep your car insurance rates down following a DUI:
- Your prior driving record is important. The cleaner your record, the greater leniency the insurance company is likely to offer. Your clean record is an indicator that the DUI conviction may have been an exception rather than a norm. The car insurance rate will still be high, but not as bad as it could be.
- When you have more than one policy with your car insurance provider, you are likely to receive a discount. This discount may make up for any increased rates after the conviction.
- Increasing your deductible is one of the easiest ways to reduce your insurance rates. Increasing your deductible and adjusting other limits on your car insurance policy can significantly reduce the increase in your rates after a DUI conviction. But, you should calculate how much you could realistically pay and then, make that your limit.
- Being proactive in seeking out methods to limit the increase in your auto insurance rates after a DUI can help. A lot of insurance providers offer discounts if you take classes that promote safe driving. Taking a safe driving class is an effective way to keep your car insurance rates low after a DUI charge. Comparing insurance quotes at least once a year to find out if you can get a cheaper rate with a different provider can help too.
Contact NY Auto Quotes
At NY Auto Quotes, our insurance experts get you the best rates possible for your car insurance. Saving you time and money is what we do, call us today at (800) 490-6174 (Toll Free), New Rochelle (914) 246-2874, Rockland (845) 208-8082 and Putnam (845) 637-3074.
