Car insurance rates can skyrocket upon DUI convictions

Drunk driving can impact various areas of your life. If you don’t lose your driver’s license because of the offense, you will likely find that keeping your insurance paid is difficult. One thing that you have going for you is that you live in Kentucky.

This is only one of six states that don’t require people convicted of drunk driving to have an SR-22 on file. In states that require this form, drivers who must have an SR-22 face sharp increases in the premiums they pay because they are considered high-risk.

Even though you don’t need the SR-22, you will likely still see an increase in your premiums. This is because what you pay for premiums is based on your driving record. With a DUI on your driving record, you are considered a greater risk than someone who hasn’t been convicted of drunk driving.

While the increase in car insurance rates is considerable on the first offense, you might find that you are dropped on subsequent offenses. Many insurance companies won’t cover a person who has repeat DUI convictions.

You might not notice the rate increases right away. In some cases, it might take a bit for your insurance company to raise your rates because they often won’t do driving record checks each month on drivers. Plus, it can take time for the DUI to get put into the system.

If you are facing a DUI charge, you need to take action to fight against the charge. Determining your options is one step in the process. From there, you have to move forward with the option with which you feel most comfortable.

Source: FindLaw, “DUI and Insurance: Rates and Form SR-22,” accessed Feb. 10, 2017