If you face a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), your insurance company will likely raise your premium. How long does a DUI affect insurance in California? Usually, the increased rate lasts three years, though it impacts some drivers for a longer period.
However, the way DUI affects insurance is complicated. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you learn more about the impact of a conviction on your insurance premiums. Call or fill out our online contact form to get additional information.
How Long Will Your DUI Impact Insurance Premiums?
A DUI conviction in California can influence your insurance rates as long as it stays on your driving record. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can keep this information for a decade.
Therefore, drunk driving charges could impact rates for up to a decade. However, insurance companies typically only look three to five years back when calculating auto insurance rates.
The time a DUI can affect your premiums will depend on your auto insurance company’s policies.
Will a DUI Conviction Impact Your Insurance in Other Ways?
Besides any actual rate hike, you will not qualify for safe driver discounts during the entire 10 years the DUI is on your record.
After the DUI vanishes from your driving record, it cannot influence your insurance, allowing you to secure lower monthly premiums again.
Will a DUI Affect Insurance Rates Immediately?
Typically, DUI convictions do not lead to immediate rate increases for auto insurance. It’s illegal for insurance companies to adjust your policy “mid-term” or before it comes up for renewal. So, if you get a DUI and still have 11 months left on your policy, your rate is fixed for those 11 months.
The only exception is if you apply for new coverage. Insurance companies are free to quote a new price at a higher rate. Thus, it’s best to only apply for new coverage once your current policy expires.
Once the policy is up for renewal, they may raise your rates. Besides your DUI, they’ll also consider your:
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- Driving history
How much do rates go up after a DUI? The national average shows drivers can face a rate increase of 70%.
Can an Insurance Company Cancel Your Insurance After a DUI?
The insurance company may decide not to renew your auto insurance policy after learning about a DUI conviction. The provider must wait until the end of your current policy term before making this decision.
We understand the severity of losing insurance due to a traffic violation. It’s against the law to drive without insurance in California, so if you lose your current auto insurance plan, make sure you get a policy through a different company.
Do You Have to Tell Your Insurance Company about Your DUI?
Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not have to tell your insurance company about your DUI. You will have to tell them if you need a form called an SR-22 (covered below). Otherwise, you don’t. Don’t divulge your DUI to your insurer unless you are required to do so.
If you don’t tell your insurance company, the only way they can find out is by checking your DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) record. They have a right to do this and will usually do it each time your policy is up for renewal. It’s also part of the process for applying for new insurance.
When Do You Need an SR-22 Form?
The SR-22 is a special proof of insurance form. You may be required to get an SR-22 in order to reinstate your driver’s license after a suspension. However, this requirement depends on the facts surrounding your suspension.
Remember that the DMV typically suspends any driver’s license 30 days after an arrest for a DUI. This administrative or “per se” suspension happens before your court trial. If this hearing leads to a license suspension, you need a form SR-22 to get your license back.
However, you can fight the per se suspension if you act fast. You must request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest. If you do this, you may avoid administrative suspension and never need an SR-22. To maximize your chances, we strongly recommend that you have a lawyer represent you at your hearing.
Does the Insurance Company Need to Know About SR-22 Requirements?
If you do need an SR-22, you must tell your insurance company about your DUI. SR-22 insurance serves as proof that you meet the minimum insurance requirements for high-risk drivers.
You can simply call up your insurance company and request it, but they will ask for details as part of the application process. “High-risk” drivers may face an insurance rate hike of up to $800 more per year.
Note that not all insurers offer SR-22 forms or high-risk coverage. If that’s the case, your insurer will cancel your policy when you make the request.
Do Other Charges Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Your insurance company may increase your premiums if they find other charges on your record. For example, an insurance provider may look for:
- Wet reckless charges
- Dry reckless charges
- Exhibition of speed or speeding charges
- Reckless driving charges
Even though these offenses are not DUIs, they carry just as much weight on your DMV record and will affect your coverage the same way.
Can You Prevent an Increase in Insurance Costs?
There are several ways to prevent or minimize insurance increases due to DUI. These include:
- Fight the administrative suspension. Get a lawyer and request a DMV hearing ASAP—within the first 10 days of an arrest. This step could help you avoid an SR-22 and keep your rates from changing.
- Do not tell your insurance company about your DUI unless you have to.
- Only apply for new coverage with your insurance company once your plan is up for renewal to decrease the chance they’ll run a background check.
- If your insurer does raise your rates, or you need an SR-22, shop around for the best rates. Some insurers may still offer you a better deal.
Of course, the best way to avoid the insurance increase is not to be convicted of DUI. The best way to do that is to get a good DUI lawyer, so reach out to a law firm for help after an arrest.
Review the Time a DUI Affects Insurance in California
How long does a DUI affect insurance in California? Typically, a conviction will influence insurance costs for around three years, though it can last for longer in some situations. You can find out more when you contact us to discuss how a DUI affects insurance.
