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:

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:

My 19 year old son received a DUI and he is under our policy. What will happen to our insurance rates? We live in IL.

Will

Thank you for asking Will.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that is considered as a violent crime in the state of IL. The offense will permanently remain on your driving record if you get convicted of the DUI.

Any type of conviction for driving under the influence or DUI is usually taken very seriously by an insurance providers since it makes the driver more of a risk to the company. An individual with a bad driving history is more of a risk for an insurance carrier then an individual with a clean driving record and thats why their premiums are normally higher. The whole insurance policy can be affected by one driver’s DUI or serious driving conviction.

Since your son now has a DUI offense on his driving history, when your insurance provider finds this out then his premium, and thus yours since he is on your insurance policy, will likely be increased. Insurance providers have different rating systems so you may check from your insurance agent to know how much your son’s DUI may affect all of your rates and for how long.

The IL Secretary of State states that, a DUI can subject you to high-risk auto insurance rates for three years. According to the IL SOS DUI Fact Book the high risk insurance for an individual convicted of a DUI averages an additional (over their normal car insurance costs) $1500 per year.

If the your car insurance rates go up because of your son’s DUI, then you may want to compare and shop around for auto insurance online to check if you can find a better rate.

Goodluck!

MariCAR