How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance In California?

Driving while under the influence (DUI) convictions can affect California drivers’ auto insurance premiums for up to ten years. Each insurer has different criteria, and some may be more lenient when it comes to penalizing drivers for traffic offenses. Your agent can help you understand how your insurer determines an individual driver’s premiums.

Does Filing SR-22 Make Your Car Insurance Premiums Go Up?

Not every driver has to file an SR-22 form. If you must file SR-22, you are a high-risk driver, and your premiums will likely increase.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sees a DUI conviction as a serious traffic offense. They typically require drivers with a DUI conviction and other serious traffic offenses to file an SR-22 form proving financial responsibility.

The state of California requires all drivers to maintain minimum amounts of auto liability coverage. This insurance may help cover the driver’s legal liability for third-party injuries and property damage after an at-fault accident up to the policy’s limits.

The SR-22 form proves the driver has at least the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage required by the state.

DUI and California Auto Insurance

Since insurers consider DUI offenses serious, drivers with a DUI conviction are typically classified as “high risk.” Some insurers won’t provide coverage for high-risk drivers, so working closely with your agent to get appropriate auto insurance coverage after a DUI conviction is crucial.

How to Get Insurance After a DUI Conviction In California

When your car insurance policy is up for renewal, your insurer looks at your driving history to determine your future risk of filing a claim. After a DUI, your insurer could drop you, forcing you to look elsewhere for coverage. If you are struggling to find coverage, you have a few options, including the following:

• Look for coverage from a different insurer. Your agent can help you find insurers that provide coverage after DUI convictions. They can also get multiple quotes to help you get the best possible rate.
• Explore non-standard auto insurance options. Some insurers specialize in covering high-risk drivers. Insurance through a non-standard auto insurance company is typically more expensive than a policy through the voluntary market.
• Buy coverage through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). Drivers with multiple traffic violations and those with serious traffic offenses may choose to purchase liability insurance through CAARP, which is a network of insurance companies with licenses to sell coverage in California. Insurers in the CAARP program are required to charge the same premiums.

The agents at All Types Insurance are auto insurance experts. Contact us today for help securing car insurance coverage to meet your needs.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.