How to Get Car Insurance After a DUI

Having a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction on your record can cause a variety of complications in your daily life. While it can be difficult to bounce back from a DUI, it’s important to remember that you can now move forward and rebuild your life. So long as you are open and honest, you’ll be able to work past the challenges that a DUI presents when it comes to securing employment or vehicle financing. However, you may still find it difficult to secure car insurance. While getting insurance after a DUI may seem impossible, rest assured that there are options for individuals with such charges on their driving records.

What Can You Do to Get Car Insurance After a DUI?

Getting car insurance after a DUI means doing your research and securing quotes from several different companies. One of the most important things you’ll need to keep in mind is that you must carry an SR-22 policy after a DUI. If your license was suspended after your DUI conviction, you’ll need to provide proof that you have an SR-22 policy before your license can be reinstated. As you shop for insurance, bear in mind that not all companies offer SR-22 policies.

One option for securing car insurance after a DUI is to continue with your current insurance company. You’ll likely face a much higher premium than you paid before the conviction. While your insurance company might not find out about a DUI right away, they will know about this charge once you ask for an SR-22 to take to the DMV so that your license can be reinstated. If you plan to negotiate with your current company, be sure to highlight what makes you a good customer. Point to a positive payment history and clean driving record prior to the DUI if possible.

What to Do if Your Insurance Drops Your Policy After a DUI

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will continue to work with customers who have been convicted of a DUI. If you must shop for insurance with a new company, be sure to get three or four different quotes. If possible, go into insurance companies in person and talk to an agent. Be frank and honest. Talk about your plans for driving responsibly in the future. You can even volunteer to go to traffic school to prove to an insurance company that you’re serious about driving safely.

In addition to being frank and shopping around, you can also do the following to improve your chances of securing affordable insurance after a DUI:

  • Hire an attorney to represent you in court. An attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence or punishment, which can have a serious impact on your chances of getting insurance.
  • Show up to all of your court appearances and complete any community service or jail time to which you are sentenced.
  • Avoid driving while your license is suspended.
  • Craft a new image by displaying responsible behaviors and demonstrating that you won’t make the same mistake again.

Some states also offer assigned risk insurance programs to drivers who have been convicted of DUIs. Check with your local DMV office to find out if you can participate in such a program.