Low Cost DUI Insurance
Confused about car insurance after a DUI? At Breathe Easy Insurance, we provide SR-22 and FR-44 insurance solutions to help you reduce the financial impact of a DUI on your car insurance costs.
What is DUI Insurance?
While there is no official term “DUI Insurance,” some drivers and companies use this phrase to refer to insurance coverage for a driver who has been charged with a DUI. This coverage may also unofficially be called 'high-risk insurance,' 'SR-22 insurance,' or 'FR-44 insurance,' although SR-22 and FR-44 are certifications and not insurance.
In many states, after a DUI conviction, drivers are required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate to prove they have at least the necessary insurance coverage. This requirement ensures that high-risk drivers maintain adequate coverage to protect themselves and others on the road.
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Essential Information on SR‑22 and FR‑44 Insurance
Knowing about SR-22 and FR-44 insurance is important if you've had a serious traffic violation. Both forms show that you have the required coverage to keep driving, but they have different rules and requirements.
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a certificate that your insurance company files with the state to confirm that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. Typically, an SR-22 is required for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI, have had their license suspended, or have been involved in other serious driving offenses.
FR-44 Insurance
FR-44 insurance is similar to SR-22 insurance but is required in specific states like Florida and Virginia. The primary difference is that FR-44 insurance mandates higher liability coverage than the state's minimum requirements. This increased coverage aims to provide greater financial protection in the event of an accident involving a high-risk driver.
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How a DUI Affects Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction can substantially impact on your auto insurance rates. Typically, this happens at the first policy renewal date after asking your insurance company for an SR-22 or FR-44. Here are some ways a DUI can impact your rates:
Increased Premiums
Generally, insurance companies view drivers with DUI convictions as high-risk, leading to significantly higher premiums. The increase can vary depending on the insurance company, but U.S. average rates increase by over 60% and can even double or triple in some states.
Policy Cancellation or Non‑Renewal
Some insurance companies may choose non-renew it after a DUI conviction. This can leave you scrambling to find new coverage, often at a higher cost.
Limited Coverage Options
High-risk drivers may have fewer options when it comes to choosing an insurance provider. Some companies specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers, but their premiums tend to be higher, and coverage options may be limited.
Finding Affordable Insurance After a DUI
Breathe Easy Insurance is a unique brokerage specializing in helping high-risk drivers facing a DUI or similar charge. We guide our customers through the complexities of SR-22 or FR-44 insurance and shop around to find reliable policies, potentially saving clients significant money over the duration of the requirement. Breathe Easy can send proof of insurance and a copy of an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate to clients via email right after a policy purchase.
In addition to shopping around, comparing quotes, and considering high-risk insurance providers like Breathe Easy, other strategies can help make it easier to find affordable insurance after a DUI, including:
- Improve Your Driving Record: Over time, maintaining a clean driving record can help reduce your insurance premiums. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to demonstrate responsible driving behavior.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Completing a defensive driving course can sometimes lead to discounts on your insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer such discounts.
- Maintain Continuous Coverage: Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage is crucial after a DUI conviction. Lapses in coverage can lead to further complications and higher premiums. Ensure you keep your policy active and avoid any gaps in coverage.
Let Breathe Easy Find the Right DUI Insurance for You
Obtaining auto insurance after a DUI can be challenging. Understanding SR-22 and FR-44 requirements, shopping around for rates, and improving your driving record are essential steps.
If you want to avoid the hassle of comparison shopping, Breathe Easy can help. We specialize in finding dependable, cost-effective SR-22/FR-44 insurance solutions for customers in difficult situations.
Call Breathe Easy today to find affordable and reliable coverage, so you can get back on the road quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Insurance
The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record varies by state. In some states, a DUI can remain on your record for 5 to 10 years, while in others, it can stay for life. For instance, in California, a DUI remains on your driving record for 10 years, whereas in Florida, it stays on your record for 75 years. It's important to check the specific regulations in your state to understand how long a DUI will impact your driving record and insurance rates.
A DUI can increase your Insurance companies generally view drivers with DUI convictions as high-risk, which results in significantly higher premiums. The extent of the increase can vary depending on the insurer and the state, but on average, U.S. insurance rates increase by over 60% following a DUI. In some states, the premiums can even double or triple.
In addition to higher insurance rates, a DUI conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential jail time.
If your DUI charge is dismissed, it may not affect your insurance rates. However, if the incident is recorded on your driving record, it could still impact your insurance.
Failing to obtain DUI insurance when required can result in further legal consequences, including license suspension, fines, and additional penalties.