Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions in California carry hefty financial consequences. Beyond court fines, license reinstatement fees, ignition interlock device expenses, and other related costs, individuals find themselves grappling with increased insurance premiums. Particularly for first-time DUI offenders over 21, insurance rates can surge by 20 to 30 percent for as long as three years.
For those facing a DUI in the Golden State, understanding its implications on auto insurance premiums and duration is critical. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation.
Insurance Implications Post-DUI
While insurance providers cannot spike your premium or nullify your policy mid-term, changes are bound to occur upon renewal. Therefore, until your existing policy reaches its term end, your rates remain unchanged. It’s hence advised for those with a recent DUI to retain their ongoing insurance plan till its expiration.
Upon policy renewal, insurers will evaluate various factors – from age, marital status, and driving history to the DUI itself – to set your premium. Most often, this evaluation leads to significant rate hikes, which, fortunately, last for just three years. The crux, however, is that insurance companies should first be aware of the DUI on record.
The Disclosure Dilemma: Informing Your Insurer
The decision to inform your insurance company about a DUI largely rests on specific circumstances. If you’re mandated to secure an SR-22 form post-conviction, disclosing the DUI becomes inevitable. In the absence of this mandate, you technically don’t need to inform them.
Yet, remaining silent doesn’t shield you from potential discovery. Insurance providers commonly scrutinize DMV records during policy renewals and can thus spot a DUI conviction.
Decoding the SR-22 Form
An SR-22 isn’t just another document; it’s a testament to insurance coverage. In several DUI cases in California, it’s a prerequisite for reinstating a suspended driver’s license. Post-DUI, the DMV in California typically suspends the offender’s license within a month of the arrest, a process termed “per se” suspension. For individuals faced with such a suspension, procuring an SR-22 becomes essential to regain their driving privileges.
Yet, there’s a silver lining: this suspension can be contested, potentially eliminating the SR-22 requirement. But swift action is imperative. Within ten days of the arrest, one must request a DMV hearing.
To enhance the likelihood of a positive verdict, having adept legal representation can be pivotal. If you find yourself in such a situation, do consider reaching out to Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088, where our expert attorneys can guide you seamlessly through the hearing process.
