Is my insurance company going to automatically drop my coverage for a DUI?

A DUI is a serious charge that has consequences that can last a lifetime, so it is important to understand the relationship between auto insurance and drunk driving. In some states, there is no automatic link between the courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In those states, the insurance company may not learn of a DUI conviction for quite some time. In fact, some auto insurance companies may only check the driving records of those they insure once every three years. If that is the case, you may not even see a rate hike, or you may not see it for quite some time. Once they do see a new DUI on your record, they have the right to increase your rates or drop your coverage at any time, at their discretion.

In addition, some states require that everyone who has been convicted of DUI obtain a SR22 form from their insurance carrier. This form is then provided to the DMV showing proof of insurance. In those states, insurance companies know immediately that you have a DUI conviction and may raise your rates significantly or cancel your insurance.

The best way to avoid these rate increases or cancellations is to avoid the DUI conviction. This may mean hiring a skilled DUI attorney to provide an effective defense, negotiate a lesser charge, or negotiate for alternative sentencing in order to have the conviction erased, when possible.