West Covina DUI Defense Lawyers
DUI Convictions & Your Car Insurance
A person who suffers a conviction for a DUI or a wet reckless is likely to see a dramatic increase in his or her car insurance premiums. Sometimes the DUI offender will see his car insurance premiums double or triple or more. Most often, this is pure financial exploitation by the insurance industry, as there is no evidence that the increased risk by those convicted of first time DUI would warrant such price hikes.
Auto insurance rates won't necessarily rise because of a DUI conviction, however. Depending on the insurance company, the type of policy and the customer's driving record, the premiums may rise only slightly or not at all.
Often times, the increased insurance costs are the biggest financial burden of a DUI conviction, even more than court fines and attorney's fees.
DUI Convictions & The SR-22 Requirement
The California DMV requires those convicted of DUI to maintain an SR-22 (proof of car insurance) on file as a condition of maintaining their drivers licenses. The driver's insurance company provides the SR-22 directly to the DMV. The insurance company must also notify the DMV any time the driver's policy is canceled.
Internet Resources on DUI Convictions & Insurance Premiums
Auto Insurance Quotes
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Auto Insurance Basics
Explanations and discussions of various types of automobile insurance coverage.
California Department of Insurance
Consumer guides, tools and resources regarding dealing with insurers and the insurance industry in California
Effect of a DUI Conviction on Your Automobile Insurance
Discussion of how insurance companies react to a DUI conviction and what the consumer can expect.
