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Insurance After a DUI

The outcome of a DUI case can significantly affect your car insurance. If convicted, your insurance company may cancel you and if they do not they will most likely raise your premiums. There are no laws regulating what the insurance companies can charge, therefore premiums can vary greatly. It is possible they will raise your rates two, three, or even four times. You may find yourself in a situation of not being able to afford the premiums and consequently not able to drive. If you cannot drive then your job could be in jeopardy, not to mention the affect on your family. In California, a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record for 10 years. As long as it is on your record, your insurance rates are affected.

If convicted of a DUI, California law requires drivers to submit to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) a California Insurance Proof Certificate, known as an SR-22. The purpose of the SR-22 form is to prove a driver convicted of a DUI has met the minimum insurance coverage requirements. In addition, the DMV requires vehicle insurance companies to notify them if the driver’s policy has lapsed or been cancelled for any reason. Without insurance coverage, the DMV will immediately suspend your driver’s license for being uninsured. The SR-22 requirement is for three years from the date you are reissued a driver’s license. However, depending on circumstances you may be required to file an SR-22 form for five additional years. Altogether, it could be eight years of excessive insurance premiums. If you fail to keep the SR-22 in place, the DMV will immediately suspend your license.

If you find it difficult to obtain insurance, you may want to contact the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). CAARP is a state sponsored insurance plan for high-risk drivers. If necessary, you can reach them at (800) 622-0954 for more information.

You have the opportunity to avoid the high insurance premiums and the necessary filing of an SR-22 form, by winning the DMV hearing and winning the DUI criminal case, or a least having the DUI charges reduced to something besides a DUI. Mr. Darryl Genis has the experience and the track record to help you fight the DUI charges. He can represent you in both the DMV hearing and the DUI criminal case. Time is critical for the DMV hearing, since you only have 10 calendar days to request a hearing. If no hearing is requested, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended and you will be required to file an SR-22 form and your insurance premiums will go up. If you are facing a DUI charge, call Darryl Genis immediately.

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