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

Reader’s Question:

I had a DUI and was required to carry an sr22 but I wasnt been able to maintain, what will be the consequence or penalties for this?

Lara

Thank you for asking Lara.

Penalties and state laws differ regarding what the consequences are when an individual does not maintain their SR-22 or the financial responsibility certificate for the period of time the state required them to carry it. The penalties for a lapse in the SR22 coverage may result to suspension of the individual’s driver’s license.

Typically, the driver’s license is taken away since the SR-22 is usually mandated for the individual to reinstate their license after a suspension or revocation because of DUI. If the individual is not carrying the proper auto insurance coverage and the SR-22 that was mandated as terms of their license reinstatement, then the driver’s license can be suspended or revoked again.

To get information on what penalties you may be facing because of lapse in your sr22 you should try to contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know If I will see an increase in my insurance premiums after DUI if Im required to carry an sr22?

Lisa

Thank you for asking Lisa.

You will probably see an your auto insurance rates go up because of a DUI conviction on your driving record. Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs generally puts you now into a high risk class of motorist.

How much the amount of an insurance rate increase because of DUI and/or needing an SR-22 (certificate of financial responsibility) will all depend upon the insurance provider that you are dealing with and their rating system.

Some state insurance regulators and department of motor vehicles provide information on the average insurance increase for a DUI conviction. You may contact them or your insurance company to know the about this specific information.

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:

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

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