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.