4 Things To Know About Buying Auto Insurance After A DUI
Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can cause a lot of problems for you, such as fines, court-mandated alcohol education classes, having to install a device interlock in your vehicle, and possibly jail time. After you have fulfilled the terms of your sentence, you will eventually be able to legally drive again. But it is not as easy as just jumping in your car and driving to where you need to go. Continue reading to learn more about auto insurance after a DUI conviction:
Buying Auto Insurance
After a DUI conviction, it is possible that your current insurance carrier will drop you as a customer. If this happens, you will need to to buy an auto insurance policy from another insurance carrier. Since you will be considered a high risk driver, you most likely will not be able to get your drivers license reinstated until you have insurance coverage.
Get Quotes
Even if your insurance carrier does not drop you as a customer, it is in your best interest to get several auto insurance quotes after your DUI conviction. You can expect your insurance premiums to be substantially higher than what you were paying before your DUI conviction, but by getting several quotes you may discover that one insurance carrier offers better rates than others. When getting quotes for high-risk auto insurance make sure that you are completely honest about your DUI conviction-- it is a waste of time to try to hide it, since the insurance carrier will see it when your driving record is pulled.
File Proof of Insurance
Most states require a person who has been convicted of a DUI to have either an SR-22 or an FR-44 certificate on file with the department of motor vehicles before their license can be reinstated. People often get confused and assume that the terms SR-22 or FR-44 are types of insurance policies when they are actually certificates sent by your insurance company as proof that the person has an auto insurance policy that meets the state's law regarding liability insurance. Talk with your insurance company and request that a SR-22 or FR-44 certificate be sent to your local motor vehicle department.
Stay on Top of Your Payments
When you're required by law to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate with the DMV, it is essential that you stay on top of your premiums and don't let your insurance lapse. If your auto insurance does lapse, your license can be suspended again and you can face a lot of issues with being able to legally drive again.
For more information, contact companies like Livings Insurance.
