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.