Drunk Driving, SR-22 forms, and the DUI Insurance Process MADD is mad that you were drinking and driving.
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If you've been charged or convicted of a DUI or DWI, the legal and financial headaches that follow are both lengthy and severe. If you were pulled over and refused to take a breathalyzer test, the penalties are virtually the same. Right away, you're going to need a DUI attorney to help you with the legal proceedings. Even if you intend to enter a guilty plea, you will still need a DUI lawyer to help you with the court filings. Each state has unique laws for drinking and driving infractions. Over the last decade, though, most states have attempted to crack down on drunk driving arrests by enacting stricter penalties and more uniform standards. For example, organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have worked tirelessly to standardize the legal threshold for blood alcohol content (BAC) at .08 percent in all 50 states.
When the DUI Trial is Over
Insurance companies don't write specific "DUI Insurance" policies, but you will need to file an SR-22 form with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (expecting Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, where SR-22s are not required). An SR-22 is a "Proof of Financial Responsibility" form. Basically, it certifies that a driver has purchased at least the minimum amount of liability insurance for their state. While every driver is required to carry this level of insurance, drivers with a DUI, a DWI, or citations for driving without insurance must also file an SR-22. Most insurance companies will help file SR-22 forms for their customers.
Drunk Driving is Not Just Reckless—it's Expensive!
All told, a DUI will cost a driver around $10,000. Don't believe it? Take a look at the following chart:
| The Total Cost of a DUI | |
|---|---|
| Expense | Average Cost |
| Bail: | $150–$2,000 | Towing and Impound: | $100–$1,000 |
| Added Insurance Costs: | $5,000+ |
| DUI Lawyer: | $2,500 |
| Court Fines: | $1,000 |
| Alcohol Treatment/Education: | $1,000 |
| Licensing Fees: | $150 |
| Ignition Lock: | $250 |
| Total: | $10,000–$15,000 |
DUI Insurance Rates
Will a DUI really increase your insurance costs by $5,000? Probably. It's difficult to quantify because every insurance company handles DUI cases differently. Rest assured, if you're currently enjoying any sort of preferred or safe driver discount, you can kiss it goodbye. Most companies will drop you altogether or switch you to their "high risk" division as soon as they learn of a DUI infraction. While there are companies that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers, rates for drivers with DUIs are usually double or triple that of an average policy.
How Long Will a DUI Affect my Insurance Rates?
The length of time a DUI stays on your driving record varies from state to state. Many times, a DUI will drop from your driving record after 3-7 years. However, the infraction is likely to remain on your criminal record indefinitely. After the citation drops from your driving record, your rates will return to normal. In most cases, a DUI will raise your insurance rates for a minimum of three years. If a DUI is no longer affecting your insurance rates but still showing up on criminal background checks, it may be possible to expunge the violation from your criminal record or to have the infraction listed under "sealed records." Sealed records are only available to law enforcement officers. Contact your state's DMV or a DUI lawyer for more information.
