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:

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:

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

Reader’s Question:

I received DUI conviction and I just want to know what will be the possible cost or penalties for this conviction?

June

Thank you for asking June.

A single DUI conviction can cost an individual quite a bit after all the fines and fees have been paid. The following are the potential costs of a DUI conviction

* Fines
* Court Costs
* Bail
* Towing and storage fees
* Attorney fees
* Alcohol education program enrollment
* Driver license reinstatement fees
* Ignition interlock program costs
* Higher insurance premiums and SR-22 filing

If you want to get your license reinstated after a DUI conviction, one of the requirements is to provide proof of financial responsibility or an SR-22 filing by your insurance provider.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I was required to go to DUI school. After I complete the course, will this lower my premium if I give my completed certificate to my insurance company?

Nina

Thank you for asking Nina.

Typically, taking either a driving course or alcohol class due to receiving a DUI does not help with your car insurance premium. Normally DUI school is a component of the penalties that are ordered by the court after being convicted of a DUI, DWI or OUI - and this varies on different states.

States have different laws and guidelines regarding on the requirements regarding DUI school. Some states mandate that one completes a DUI course if the individual wants to reinstate any driving privileges, meaning a full license or conditional / restricted license. Some states mandates DUI classes be attended due to any DUI conviction.

I would suggest that you contact your insurance provider to get more information if they will need a copy of your DUI school completion certificate. Its likely that it would not lower your premium since the course was because of a DUI conviction and probably required by the courts. Some insurance providers do give discounts for motorist safety or driving course so verify with your current company to see what type of discounts they might have to offer.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

MY husband has a restricted license because of DUI and he was driving outside of his restrictions when he crashed his vehicle because of road hazard. Will his insurance pay for this?

Jenny

Thank you for asking Jenny.

It will be up to the insurance carrier provisions and/or exclusions to decide if this will be covered under his insurance policy.

The typical exclusions on a Personal Auto Policy are below but they can vary for every insurance company and state:

1. committing a high misdemeanor or felony, or seeking to avoid lawful apprehension or arrest by a police officer; or
2. acting with intent to cause injury or damage to himself or others.
3. Operating a vehicle without the permission of the:(1)Owner of the vehicle or(2)Named insured under the policy insuring that vehicle
4. War (declared or undeclared) or civil war;
6. Insurrection;
7. Rebellion
8. Any act or condition incident to any of the above resulting from ;a. Radioactive; b. Toxic; c. Explosive; or d. hazardous properties of nuclear material.

It seems that your husband will have coverage afforded unless there are other exclusions listed on his policy.

Goodluck!

MariCAR