Will My Insurance Company Find Out about My DUI and What Can I Do to Keep Rates Cheap?

Yes, your insurance company will likely learn about your DUI when you renew your insurance policy. Insurance companies check your driving record before selling or renewing a policy. They will also check your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) regularly to verify your information, review your driving history, and look for any recent convictions.

In many states, an insurance company has up to 60 days to investigate your insurance application. If you try to hide a DUI from your insurance company, they could refuse to pay a claim or even accuse you of insurance fraud. 

A DUI can affect insurance rates for 3-10 years, depending on the driver’s state and insurance company. Most insurance companies look back 3-5 years for infractions on a driving record, but some look back as far as seven years.

According to ValuePenguin, Progressive has the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI among major insurance companies in 2024.

Don’t Panic About Insurance After a DUI: A Lawyer’s Guide to Minimizing the Damage & Saving Money

Going through a DUI arrest experience is a lot to handle, and the potential car insurance hike adds to the stress. But before you resign yourself to skyrocketing premiums, take a deep breath.

This guide, authored by a seasoned DUI defense attorneys at FightDUICharges, will equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps to navigate the situation with your car insurance and potentially minimize the financial blow.

Will My Insurance Company Find Out About My DUI?

While you may not receive an immediate notification, it’s highly likely your insurance company will discover your DUI. Here’s why:

• DMV Reports: Most states mandate that the DMV notify your insurer of a DUI conviction.
• Background Checks: Insurance companies routinely conduct background checks, including driving records, which often reveal DUIs.
• Accident Reports: If your DUI involved an accident, the accident report itself will likely alert your insurer.

Brace for an Increase, But Don’t Despair

A DUI conviction will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in your insurance premiums. However, the exact hike varies significantly depending on several factors:

• DUI Severity: A first-time offense with no injuries typically has a smaller impact than repeat offenses or those involving accidents.
• Your Driving History: A clean driving record before the DUI can help lessen the increase compared to a history of traffic violations.
• Your Insurance Company: Different insurers have varying risk assessments for DUIs. Some may specialize in high-risk drivers and offer more competitive rates.

Fight Back Strategically Against Rate Hikes Post-DUI

While you can’t erase the DUI from your record, here are proactive steps you can take to minimize the financial burden on your car insurance:

1. Don’t Accept Your Current Rate Increase: Don’t fall victim to the first quote you receive from your current insurer. Shop around for quotes from several companies, including those specializing in high-risk drivers.

2. Explore DUI Program Discounts: Many states offer court-ordered or voluntary DUI education/awareness programs. Completing these programs demonstrates your commitment to responsible driving, and some insurers offer discounts for program completion.

3. Raise Your Deductible (Cautiously): Increasing your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) can lower your monthly premium. However, weigh this option carefully. A higher deductible can leave you with a hefty bill in case of an accident.

4. Maintain a Spotless Driving Record: After the DUI, avoid any further traffic violations for several years. This demonstrates a commitment to safe driving, which some insurers may reward with lower rates down the line.

Case Study: Turning the Tide After a DUI

Imagine Anthony, a 30-year-old with a clean driving record, gets arrested for a first-time DUI (no accident). Here’s how Anthony can strategize to minimize the impact on his car insurance:

1. Contact a Top DUI Defense Lawyer: A skilled DUI attorney in the area can help Anthony navigate the legal process and potentially get the charges reduced or dismissed. This can significantly influence how his insurance company views the offense and potentially lead to a lower rate increase.
2. Become a Comparison Shopping Pro: Anthony should obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies, including those specializing in high-risk drivers.
3. Enroll in a DUI Program: Completing a court-ordered or voluntary program demonstrates John’s commitment to responsible driving and might qualify him for a discount from some insurers.
4. Become a Model Driver: Anthony should be extra cautious on the road and avoid any further traffic violations.

By taking these steps, Anthony can proactively manage the situation and potentially minimize the long-term impact of the DUI on his car insurance rates.

Remember: Contacting a lawyer in the area who specialized in DUI defense is the best course of action to understand your specific situation and explore all available options to minimize the auto insurance price repercussions.

Insurance rates often change three and five years after a DUI. In most states, rates usually drop around the third anniversary of your conviction.