Auto Insurance Tips For First-Time DUI Offenders
If you've recently been convicted of a DUI, you may be wondering what that will mean for your auto insurance. Most drivers are pretty clear on what a DUI means for their driver's license and what it can mean legally, but few people really understand the effect it can have on auto insurance rates and availability. Here are a couple of things that you should know to prepare you for dealing with your auto insurance company after your DUI.
A DUI Makes You High Risk
Being a high-risk insured means that your insurance company is likely to handle things one of two ways. Understanding the two most common responses helps you to be prepared and to know how to respond.
In some cases, you may find that your insurance premiums increase as a result of the violation as well as the high-risk classification change. If you're required to file an SR-22 with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, that's another thing that will cause your insurance rates to go up.
In other cases, particularly if you have other violations on your driving record or your DUI included other aggravating charges, your insurance company may simply cancel your policy altogether. If they deem you to be too great a risk to insure, you'll be notified of your policy termination.
There Are Ways To Reduce Your Insurance Costs
No matter who you insure with after a DUI, you'll pay more than you did before the violation hit your driving record. The good news is that there are some ways that you can reduce those costs even after you've been hit with the increases.
One of the first things you should do is talk to your insurance company about any discounts available if you take a defensive driving class. Defensive driving courses are often considered as a safety enhancement by insurance companies, so you might be able to save between ten and twenty percent off your premiums for taking it.
Adjusting your coverage is another way that you can reduce your insurance premiums. Whether you increase your deductibles, reduce your coverage limits, or change the car you're insuring to one of lower value, all of these things can save you money on your annual premiums.
Understanding these key facts will help you to deal with the insurance aftermath of your DUI. Don't let it discourage you. Knowing how to manage it will save you financial hardship and help you to fully understand why your premiums have changed or you have to find a new insurance company.
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