It can be a significant problem to obtain automobile insurance for those who have been charged with DUI / DWI, driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), or any other type of drinking and driving charge. Most auto insurance carriers may decline coverage for those individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The best advice for anyone charged with any drunk driving offense is to get professional advice regarding their car insurance situation, just as they need help with their legal situation. Although every motorist appreciates the the benefits offered by large auto insurance companies, many national car insurance companies will turn down people right away when they learn of a pending DUI / DWI problem. 

If you are convicted of a DUI, more often than not, your insurance company will find out about the DUI and will deal with you in one of two ways. Typically, your rates will go up, sometimes substantially, or, the company will simply cancel your policy. If your insurance company raises your premiums but keeps you as an insured, you will likely be labeled a “high-risk driver.” Most states require the insurance company to provide the state motor vehicle agency (DMV, MVD) with an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Certificate, which removes your license suspension by providing the state with proof that you are insured.

Because there is no reason except a DUI / DWI for a driver to need an SR-22, asking one from your insurance carrier will be a red flag that there is a pending action or drunk driving conviction to attribute into any insurance quote. This is another reason why it is crucial to meet with an insurance professional to get the best possible advice about how to handle insurance needs during the time of a drinking and driving arrest, conviction, or administrative action.

If your policy is cancelled or non-renewed, you will still be able to find insurance. It will not likely be one of the preferred carriers, like AAA, Allstate or Geico, but some other well-known companies (such as State Farm and Progressive Insurance) as well as other smaller companies will cover you and file the SR-22 for you so your license may be reinstated. Your rates will most certainly be higher, particularly because a DUI violation remains on your driving record for anywhere from five years to the rest of your life, depending on the state you’re in. To find new insurance coverage after a DUI, it’s probably best to go through an independent agent who works with many different insurance companies. 

A DUI/DWI conviction can remain on your driving record for a minimum ranges from 7 to 10 years in most States.  A subsequent offense will usually extend it by 4-6 years.  For incidents resulting in a fatality, a conviction will follow you for lifetime and it is unlikely you will ever be able to obtain insurance, a car, or have a unrestricted license ever again.