If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may face more than jail time. Car insurance may either be impossible expensive — or impossible to get.
Being convicted of a DUI in California carries with it many legal consequences. From license suspension to possible jail time and mandatory DUI classes, having a DUI conviction is a heavy burden. But even after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence, you mind find that there is another serious consequence: that car insurance is very, very expensive.
In order to get your license back after a DUI conviction, you are required to prove that you have insurance to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is done through a SR 22 form, which is submitted by your insurance company. This means that your insurance company will absolutely find out about your DUI (or wet reckless) conviction — and that your policy could either be cancelled at the end of its term or your rates could skyrocket.
Reporting Your DUI to the Insurance Company
First and foremost, it’s important to know that you have no legal obligation to notify your insurance carrier that you have been arrested for a DUI. In most cases, it does not make sense to tell your insurer about your arrest — after all, with a skilled San Bernardino DUI lawyer on your side, the charges could be reduced or dismissed.
However, in most cases, your insurance company will learn about a DUI arrest or conviction during either a routine check of your driving record at policy renewal time, or when you apply for a new policy with a different company. Your insurer will also find out about your DUI conviction when you request a SR 22 proof of insurance certificate in order to get your license back after a suspension.
Rising Rates, Cancelled Policies
After a DUI conviction, you may be wondering how your car insurance will be effected. California law forbids insurance companies from canceling your policy during the term, meaning that you can stay on your insurance — at the same premium — for the duration of the policy period. This gives drivers a bit of a cushion after a DUI conviction, because their policy cannot be cancelled or changed until it is time for the policy to be renewed or if you apply for a new policy.
However, if your insurance company elects to renew your policy at the end of the term, it is highly likely that your rates will rise significantly. The amount will vary based on your driving record and other factors, but it will often jump by 20% to 30%. You will also lose eligibility for a “good driver” discount for a period of ten years after your DUI arrest. If you have to obtain a SR 22 certificate of insurance, you will also be considered a high risk driver and pay an additional amount for each year that you are required to maintain SR 22 status.
Your insurance company may also cancel your policy entirely at the end of the term year. If this happens, you may have difficulty finding a new insurer willing to provide insurance for you — or at least one who will insure you at an affordable rate. The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan can assist you in finding an insurance company to provide insurance after a DUI conviction.
Rising premiums or cancelled insurance policies are just some of the collateral consequences of a DUI conviction. A seasoned San Bernardino DUI lawyer can help mitigate some of these consequences by vigorously defending you against a DUI charge, and potentially having the charge reduced or dismissed. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in San Bernardino or the surrounding areas, contact the Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
