Tuesday, March 10, 2009

DUI and Its Consequence on Your Vehicle Insurance Rate

By Chimezirim Odimba

Anyone that has been unfortunate enough to receive a DUI knows that they are nothing short of serious, uncomfortable, and costly. Suspended licenses, court costs, and attorney fees are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expenses that are affiliated with DUI's. While those expenses are extreme and took a good chunk of your finances, the worst is still yet to come.

Insurance companies seem to always discover DUI's, then they could out-and-out just revoke your policy or increase your charges so much that they are simply unaffordable. You will be a "high risk" driver for quite some time and possibly even be uninsurable. Don't count your chickens before they hatch if the insurance company doesn't notify you right away with word about your DUI, it is just the calm before the storm.

The most trusted insurance companies won't touch you for coverage so you will likely be stuck with some small no name insurance agency that will charge you an arm and a leg for your coverage. How long your DUI trail will remain is a question that isn't easily answered, states decide that and for many it will remain forever.

Every state has authorization over DUI laws and car insurance coverage. Insurance companies provide a form SR-22 which is required by most states so that there is no way to hide a DUI conviction from your insurance agency. It is the only way though to get your license reinstated by proving to the DMV that you carry at least liability coverage.

The catch is that in many cases the insurance company is obligated to inform the DMV is you no longer have insurance coverage. After a DUI, you can expect your current premiums to possibly even double-if your carrier even renews your policy.

There is not anything that controls the amount that they are permitted to charge you for your insurance premiums consequently, you will be a sitting duck for insurance companies. It is essential that you think before you drink and never engage in drinking and driving. One irresponsible decision can be a thorn in your side for years to come.

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