My friend told me that a sobriety ticket can greatly affect my auto insurance. Is that true?

Grisom

Aurora, Colorado

Yes, a sobriety ticket will affect your auto insurance, how greatly will depend with your insurance company.

Your insurance rate will probably rise significantly if you will be convicted of the absolute sobriety violation. We are not sure how much but it will depend on the rating system of your insurance provider. In some cases it will double or triple the amount you are paying especially if it’s for an alcohol offense. It will also depend upon the gravity of your violation. It is also possible that your auto insurance be cancelled because most insurance companies find this offense serious. Some insurance companies will increase your premium for a number of years or simply not allow you to renew your insurance policy. This is primarily because you have a higher risk to get into an accident as to a driver who never got cited for this kind of violation.

Different states will have their own laws and rules regarding drunk driving. In Wisconsin, each person under 21 should maintain absolute sobriety while driving, be it a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. There will be penalties if you refuse to submit if an officer demands you to take a blood test, urine test, breath test or any other test that will determine the alcohol content in your body. This may lead to license suspension or license revocation. Some convictions may also lead to monetary fines.

Insurance rates are affected as well for a minimum of three years if you are cited for underage drinking that involves a motor vehicle. Also in Wisconsin, a law prohibits a person below 21 to possess or consume alcohol.

Insurance companies consider drinking while operating a motor vehicle a serious offense especially if you were cited. This will mean that you have a higher risk and with that come a higher rate in your insurance policy.

Like everyone else, I want to get cheap auto insurance rates. Just how do I do this without having to hire any brokers or spend too much time? Am I asking for too much here?

Zeus

Biloxi, MS

These days, who has the luxury of spending hours with agents or brokers to find auto insurance coverage? Still it is worth it to make sure you find the policy and provider that suits you best. Here are some useful tips to help you:

1. Start Online – Use auto insurance comparison websites (like this one). You get access to free instant auto insurance quote checks and are able to compare many different insurers simultaneously. This saves you a lot of time and effort in finding the best-priced deals out there.

2. Read the Policy Carefully – Know exactly what you’ll be paying for. Sometimes you end up with coverage items that are completely useless to you. Take off redundant coverage. If you have an old, cheap vehicle consider lowering (or dropping) comprehensive coverage.

3. Get Discounts - You can get discounts for bundling multiple policies with one company, for taking defensive driving courses, or for lowering your total annual mileage. Discounts are a great way to lower expensive coverage. Make sure to always ask for what you’re eligible for.

4. Go with a Competitive Company – Find out which insurers have the best service, rates, claims handing process, etc. by visiting the websites of Independent rating agencies like A.M. Best and J.D. Power. You can get valuable insights that will help you determine the companies you should do business with.

5. Choose a Bigger Deductible - Higher deductible, lower premiums. Just don’t make it too high though.

6. Setup an Annual Payment Plan – Most insurers today offer reduced rates or discounts for customers who pay a year upfront. If you can afford to, take advantage of this to save more in the long run.

7. Be a Good Driver – Nothing beats a good driving history when it comes to keeping affordable coverage for years to come.

Is it true that I will pay more on my auto insurance if I drive a smaller vehicle? What other things should I know about that could cause me to pay higher rates?

Lillian

Ann Arbor, MI

Excellent question! First of all, yes it is quite possible for you to get charged higher auto insurance on a smaller vehicle. Everyday physics would tell you that in a collision between a smaller vehicle and a bigger one, the latter will always win. Passengers on a smaller car would have a higher risk of death or injuries in this case, even with a ton of safety features in place. This higher risk is what causes people to get more expensive auto insurance quotes from insurers.

Other things that can cause you to pay more on auto insurance:

1. Poor Credit Rating - Those with poor credit tend to file more claims and get into more accidents (statistically speaking). This increases the risk and therefore the rates.

2. Unsatisfactory Driving History – Getting into more accidents or collecting traffic tickets is probably the quickest way to skyrocket your rates.

3. Annual Mileage – The more you are on the road, the higher the risk of getting into a car accident.

4. Too Much Claims – Claims indicates how frequently you get into car accidents. The more you file the more you’re telling your insurer that you are a riskier driver.

I highly recommend you do as much auto insurance quote checks as you can. Use online auto insurance comparison websites to do this easily and quickly so you can get the best offers.

My boyfriend was convicted of DUI last week. I want to know what does the conviction of DUI involved and what are the requirements needed so that he can continue driving his car in Nebraska.

Kathy

Aurora, NE

In Nebraska, when a person is found guilty of DUI, all vehicles owned by the person will be immobilized for not less than 5 days but not more than 8 months. Immobilization refers to the revocation or suspension of the vehicle registration including the license plates. The officer may confiscate the license of a drunk driver on the spot if the driver acts drunk or fails on field sobriety test. This may also eventually leads to the arrest of the driver for driving under the influence of alcohol.

A court ordered revocation is an order from the court to suspend any license or operating privileges for a specific period of time set by the court. Your boyfriend’s license was revoked because he is convicted of a traffic violation, specifically on driving under the influence or DUI.

Your boyfriend needs to meet the following license reinstatement requirements if he wants to continue driving his car here in Nebraska. He must sign an affidavit of lost license if he no longer has the possession of his license. However, this requirement does not apply to an expired license.

Another requirement is to file proof of financial liability coverage in the form of SR22 insurance. The filing for SR22 insurance for DUI convicted motorist can be requested from an insurance company. This type of insurance is usually for high risk drivers. So naturally, a requested SR22 insurance for DUI drivers is charged high by most insurance companies.

Your boyfriend must keep this certificate for a minimum period of three years from the date of eligibility. Failure to comply with this requirement would result to the re-suspension of his license and driving privileges.

A reinstatement fee of $125.00 must also be settled. Payment can be in the form of cashier’s check or money order and must be made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Nebraska. He can also pay online using his credit card. Just do not forget to include his identifying information such as his name, date of birth, license or social security number and current mailing address.

My mom and sister had an argument. My sister’s boyfriend was caught driving while drunk and my mom commented that it’s impossible for my sister’s boyfriend to renew his car insurance policy. My sister argues that there are companies that offer DUI insurance. Who’s right?

Phoebe

Chicago, IL

I can’t blame your mom for her naiveté because probably, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs doesn’t exist in your family’s vocabulary. Forgive your mom for her being misinformed, but yes, there’s DUI insurance. Your sister was right that there are insurance companies willing to insure drivers who committed a DUI offense although the choices will be limited. Often, they’re not the original insurers of the violators prior to the DUI. But, yes, these companies exist.

Once the driver with a DUI record has decided what company to get his DUI insurance from, the chosen car insurance company will have to file a sr22 form to the state to inform that the offender has an active minimum state required insurance. It is the insurance company’s responsibility to do that.

Truth be told, Phoebe, the problem here isn’t really getting a DUI insurance: it’s more of getting the driver’s license back after a DUI, something that will give your sister’s boyfriend a real headache.

Meanwhile, be nice when correcting your mom about DUI insurance. Kudos to her (and probably your dad) for raising kids who don’t drink and drive.

Will you need sr22 insurance for a first DUI?

Sasha

Miami, FL

The one inescapable case where you need SR22 insurance is when you commit a DUI offense. Driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida is classified under the driving while impaired (DWI) offense. This pertains to individuals found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while operating a motor vehicle. Since FL takes drunk driving very seriously, the laws governing this offense are quite strict. A first time offender will have to shoulder penalties ranging from $250 to $500. If the BAC is 0.20 or higher, or was driving with a minor in the vehicle, then penalties add up to almost $1,000. Community service of up to 50 hours will be ordered against the first time offender but however has the option to pay $10 for each hour. If drunk driving results in serious injuries or even death, then imprisonment of at least two years will be handed down by the court. Your vehicle will also be sent to the state impound for ten days. And to top all of this, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least six months. You need sr22 insurance to have your license reinstated especially if you badly need to use your car to drive to and from work. To facilitate the license reinstatement, your insurer will file an SR22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

I was charged for DUI recently and now I need to get SR22 insurance. My friends say that I may have to shell out a lot for this. Why is SR22 insurance more expensive and what can I do to get it cheaper?

Matt

Houston, TX

SR22 insurance is more expensive than any other types of insurance because it is given to high risk drivers. When a driver is considered high risk, an insurance company normally charges high insurance rates and premiums.

SR22 insurance is required among drivers who have been charged with major traffic violations. For instance if you have figured in a car accident and you were driving without any car insurance policy, then you will be required by authorities to request for SR22 insurance. The same goes if you were caught driving under the influence of liquor. Now, drivers with SR22 insurance do not have any choice but to pay the high premiums of SR22 since they need the insurance so that they can continue driving.

But fret not, since SR22 insurance can be cheaper. You can search for cheap SR22 insurance online. There are a number of websites offering affordable SR22 insurance online. You can even them without leaving the comfort of your own home.

You can also ask your insurance broker if he or she knows companies offering cheap SR22 insurance online. Some of the insurance brokers have affiliations with companies offering sr22 insurances on the Internet. These people can help you find insurances that would fit your budget.

Hi! I was recently caught for DUI. Now I need SR22 insurance New Jersey so that I can continue driving. However I need SR22 insurance New Jersey that is cheap. How do I get one?

Vince

Newark, NJ

You can always go online and search for insurance companies offering cheap SR22 insurance in New Jersey. Go to Google and enter keywords like “I need SR22 insurance New Jersey” or “SR22 insurance in New Jersey,” and within seconds you will be given listing of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering cheap SR22 insurance. Click on any of these websites and read their terms and conditions for SR22 insurance. You can also get SR22 insurance quotes and compare them with other companies instantly.

You can also your insurance company handling your other insurance policies like life and health insurance if they can give you SR22 insurance. However most insurance companies may not give you SR22 insurance because this is a high risk type of insurance. Check first with your insurer if there’s any chance that they can grant you with one. You may even get a discount because you have multiple policies with them. However prepare to be saddled with high insurance premiums because SR22 is really expensive.

I had a DUI conviction 6 months ago, and I’m about to renew my car insurance policy. To my surprise, my insurance carrier wouldn’t renew my policy. Can you help me find DUI insurance at this point?

Ramil

Chicago, IL

All car insurance companies base their rates on many factors, including driving record. Drunk driving convictions (DUI) would cause many insurance carriers to raise their charges, or in your case, cancel or not renew your coverage. Raised premiums, though, should be the least of your problems right now. Finding a car insurance company that will cover for your DUI insurance should be foremost in your agenda.

At this point, it is essential for you to seek professional advice regarding your car insurance situation. Fortunately for you, there are auto insurance companies that will insure you regardless if you have a DUI or not. Expect, though, to be charged properly. A DUI in your driving record may cause you to be considered a higher risk driver, raising your insurance premium significantly. As most states require you to file an SR-22, check if the auto insurance company you’re eyeing can do this for you. This is a statement of financial responsibility that shows proof that you have the right amount of insurance that is required by your state. How long your insurance company will bill you the rates of a DUI insurance will depend on your policy and your state rules. As long as your conviction is in your record, you will be charged accordingly.

DUI insurance may be a bit costly, but it is something you simply must have to prove that you’re a responsible driver.

I was recently caught driving under the influence. Now the authorities say I should get a SR-22 or else I won’t be able to drive on the road again. Why is that so?

Kevin

Arlington, TX

DUI SR22 insurance is demanded from those who were caught for driving under the influence of alcohol. SR22 may also be requested from those who are frequent traffic violators. SR22 actually is more of a certification from your insurance company and issued to state authorities. This is to testify that you have a policy coverage with your insurance company and thus you are covered from any damage or accident you may get with the next time you are on the road.

DUI SR22 insurance is given only to high risk drivers, so expect that you will be dealing with high premiums from your insurer from now on. You have to pay your premiums on time, or your insurance company can cancel your DUI SR22 insurance for good. This means you cannot go around driving even if you have a driver’s license since your SR22 insurance had just been cancelled.

Remember that you have to carry your SR22 insurance every time you drive, or else you will be facing more troubles on the road.