Reader’s Question:

Is it possible that your insurance carrier in Chicago will never find out about your DWI conviction if you don’t get an SR-22 insurance?

Red

Chicago, IL

Thanks for asking. Yes, it is possible to happen. Due to lack of shared information between motor vehicle departments and the court, your motor vehicle record may go unblemished. As we all know, histories of accidents, drunk-driving convictions and tickets are not always reflected in your motor vehicle record. Or, in some cases, an infraction has been erased by some sheer of fate.

Slipping through the cracks of red tape may not get you off the hook for long. Most insurance providers in Chicago check your motor vehicle records once every 3 years or when you’re applying for a new insurance policy. Once your insurance carrier discovers that you’ve been once convicted of DWI, you’ll have two issues to be ready of. One, your insurance carrier will most likely raise your insurance rate and label you as a high-risk motorist. Second, they will terminate your insurance mid-term or cancel the policy at the end of the term. So, in the end, not getting an SR-22 may not be a good idea after all.

Reader’s Question:

I live in Mississippi and I would like to know how many years do I have to carry an sr22 insurance after a DUI conviction in my state?

Ingrid

Jackson, MS

In Mississippi a DUI conviction can result in fines, mandatory participation in alcohol education programs jail time and much more in a court case. Also, the MS Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend the your license for a period of time.

The Department of Public Safety requires SR-22 financial responsibility certificate policy once an individual is convicted of driving under the influence in Mississippi. The SR-22 auto insurance must be maintained for a period of three years in MS.

After the 3 year period, typically, the DUI conviction is removed from the driver’s record for insurance purposes. But the DUI will stay on the person’s driving record for five years for court and punishment purposes.

Reader’s Question:

I am 18 years old and I received a DUI in the state of Pennsylvania, but I went through the ARD program, will my insurance rate go up at all?

Nicole

Pittsburgh, PA

They allow in Pennsylvania for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for first time DUI offenders. When a DUI offender is accepted into an ARD program the state will suspend their charges but requires that certain court ordered conditions are met. These conditions may include community service and drug and alcohol counseling.

Basically, ARD is a one-time alternative to a conviction, trial and possible mandatory jail sentence for the conviction of driving under the influence in PA. There is a $500 processing fee to be in the ARD program plus you can expect to pay a fine, a fee for alcohol safe driving class, court costs and a probation supervision fee.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department states that if you are convicted of a DUI, whetheryou completed an ARD program or not, your license will still be suspended. This alone is a valid reason for insurance providers to raise rates, cancel or non-renew your policy.

Reader’s Question:

My husband and I live in Florida. My license is revoked while he has a perfect driving record, can he get insurance and how does he do so if he can? The last insurance carrier canceled us because they found out about my DUI and the revoked license.

Michelle

Jacksonville, FL

Your husband might be able to find auto insurance in Florida since he has a valid license and a good driving record, but the auto insurance policy typically would cost more since as his wife you are a household member with a revoked license and DUI. He likely would have to seek an insurance carrier that deals with high risk auto insurance.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services should be able to assist you with your consumer needs by providing you information on what FL insurance providers might be able give your husband the car insurance he needs for the car. You may call their consumer hotline at 1-800-342-2762.

Reader’s Question:

I have a DUI on my driving record. Is there anything I can do to get cheaper auto insurance?

Jean

New York, NY

Having a serious offense like DUI on your driving record can majorly affect your auto insurance rates since as a motorist you are seen as more of a risk to an insurance company. In most states if you have been convicted of drunk driving, your driver’s license will be suspended for a certain period of time and then when you go to reinstate your driver’s license you will have to get an insurance company to file a SR-22, certificate of financial responsibility, on your behalf.

The best way to find the cheapest rates after you have been convicted of a DUI is to shop around. You may use comparison shop in various websites. Make sure you ask for any discounts that are available to you. This can be for safety features on your car, driver improvement. anti-theft devices or traffic courses, etc. Discounts differ from one insurance company to another so ask what ones are available to see if you can lower your auto insurance rates by applying the most discounts to your insurance policy.

Reader’s Question:

I have a restricted driver’s license for a year and pays for the SR-22 insurance policy. I was charged with a small accident with no injuries and a DUI. I will be leaving to join the Navy so I will not be able to drive for 1 1/2 years. What do I need to do regarding the insurance and my restricted licenses?

Chris

Jersey City, NJ

I would suggest that you contact your local department of motor vehicle or the like agency that is requiring you to carry the SR 22 and explain the situation regarding you leaving for the Navy. They should be able to explain to you what you need to do concerning carrying the SR-22 and your restricted license.

If you have a car you will need to determine what you are going to do with it during your year and a half away in which you will not be driving. If you are not required to continue with your SR22 insurance and does not carry any car insurance many states will require that you turn in your license plates.

Reader’s Question:

What is the penalty for a minor driving without an insurance and got involved in an accident? Am I only required to carry an sr22?

Frank

Thank you for asking Frank.

Being involved in an accident while driving under the influence (DUI) and without insurance varies from state to state. The penalties for these type of violations may include fines, jail time, community service, vehicle impoundment, license and license registration suspension.

The penalties can be far more serious if you got involved in an accident and do not have insurance. You may have to comply with the state’s law of financial responsibility (SR22, SR22s, SR16) including having to pay for any injuries or damages out of your own pocket.

As a minor these types of violations may allow your state’s licensing department to delay your driver’s license application. In addition to that these violations will likely go on your driving record. Even being a minor without a license does not necessarily mean that your state has not started a driving history to record these offenses.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How long do you need to maintain an sr22 filing after DUI conviction?

Brad

Thank you for asking Brad.

State’s regulation and guidelines differ and each state differ on the amount of time that a person is required to carry an sr22. Typically, after a DUI conviction an individual must carry and maintain an SR-22 for 3 years. The period of time the SR22 must be carried by a driver may differ depending upon their severity of the conviction and if there were other issues involved in the case, such as driving without insurance.

If you are mandated to carry an SR22 because of a DUI, you may contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to find out exactly how many years you are required to maintain it.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Does driving without insurance and DUI violations has a mandatory suspension or is it by the court’s discretion?

Julia

Thank you for asking Julia.

Driving Under the Influence(DUI) and Driving without insurance is a serious violation in most areas. The penalty for these infraction varies from state to state however these can include fines, suspension or revocation of driver’s license, impoundments of your vehicle (and payment of storage and towing charges incurred), jail time or community service.

This is regulated by each state.

It is also possible that you will have to comply with the state’s financial responsibility laws by getting an SR22 or SR16 or the financial responsibility certificate.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I was convicted of a DUI and I want to know what it takes to get my license back.

Angel

Thank you for asking Angel.

Reinstating your driving privilege depend on what your violation was and the state regulations and laws in which your driver’s license was suspended or revoked.

Since your driver’s license was taken away because of a DUI conviction, state laws might require you to take an alcohol or drug class, pay fines associated with the conviction and get an SR-22 or financial responsibility certificate.

To know the specific information on how to get your driving privilege reinstated you may contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or similar agency, in your state.

Goodluck!

MariCAR