 |
San Diego DUI Attorney Defense Information |
|
Home > Search > San Diego DUI Attorney Drunk Driving (DUI) and Auto Insurance in San Diego
After serving a sentence and paying a fine, a person convicted of
drunk driving is eager to return to life as it was before the
charges. In most parts of the U.S., normal living-school, work,
other activities- involves driving, and driving requires automobile
insurance. While the worst parts of the charge may seem to be behind
you, but you are then faced with yet another consequence: trying to
obtain automobile insurance after a drunk driving conviction. An
experienced defense attorney can explain, and perhaps help you
avoid, the range of consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Terminated Coverage, Rejected Applications, and Higher Premiums A check of an applicant's driving record is routine for most auto insurers. If the company decides to issue a policy to a driver, the driver's record will be reviewed every three years. An applicant whose record shows a drunk driving conviction may have his or her application for coverage rejected. An insurance company that learns of a drunk driving conviction, for a driver it already insures, may raise the driver's premium, or even cancel the driver's policy. The cost of coverage with some companies is so high that driving may no longer be an option. Unless a person can rely on public transportation or on friends and family members, paying an exorbitant insurance premium may be the only choice. Rates should go down after a safe driving record is re-established.
If an insurance company drops a driver's coverage, or if a company
refuses an application for insurance, the driver will have to look
elsewhere for coverage. Some insurance companies are willing to
insure drivers who have drunk driving convictions. Some such
companies sometimes cater to drivers with drunk driving convictions.
Even with the companies that welcome drunk driving offenders, the
premiums will be far higher than those the driver paid before the
conviction. Insurance is a requirement, however, and it is
reassuring to know that there are companies that are willing to take
the risk involved in covering drivers whose records may be
less-than-perfect, giving those drivers a chance to get a better
start at building a better future. What happens to my car insurance after a drunk driving (DUI) arrest?Insurance companies will increase premiums after a drunk driving conviction by as much as two or three times. In most cases, this is simply price gouging as the statistical incidence of accidents caused by convicted first time offenders is far below the level that would justify the increases. There are no laws regulating the premiums charged, however they vary wildly from one company to another and certainly justify comparison shopping. |
|
