Over the years of handling DUI cases, one of the most crucial insurance issues that often arises is the necessity of obtaining an SR22 from your insurance carrier. This document is a key requirement after a DUI, and understanding its implications is vital for your future insurance needs.
Once somebody gets a DUI in Los Angeles County, the government has its eye on them. One of the things that they make them do is – they say listen, you're more dangerous and more likely to get into an accident because of your drinking and driving – so now what we're going to make you do is, we're going to make you have proof that you have insurance to cover any accident.
That's what the whole SR22 issue is all about. That's something you should discuss with your attorney. Talk to the DMV about it. Do some research on it, so you know exactly what you have to do if you have a DUI; you need to have that insurance in place, and you have to have proof. Certain documents must be completed. There are certain things you must do with your insurance company. That's one of the significant insurance issues I see being discussed.
Insurance Cost After a DUI Conviction
Another big insurance issue related to DUI cases is will your insurance rate will now skyrocket because you got a DUI in Los Angeles County? The answer is probably yes. It depends on our insurance company. It depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding your DUI, but let's be honest – most insurance companies are looking for an excuse to jack rates up anyway.
If they can get it because you committed a DUI, they will undoubtedly do it. All is not lost, though. If you do some research and you stay diligent on it, there are a lot of insurance companies that cater to individuals who get DUIs in LA County.
Despite the challenges, there is hope. By diligently researching and exploring different insurance companies, you can find one that is willing to trust you based on your prior record, aside from the DUI. This can lead to a more reasonable insurance price, making the situation more manageable.
You're probably going to be over the average for those who don't have DUIs, but time will heal that. Please conduct your research, approach the right insurance company, and then you will be able to afford insurance and drive once you have your license reinstated after your DUI case. It just takes some time and effort on your part.
Internet searches are an excellent place to start because there are many companies on the internet, and you shouldn't be afraid to zero in on the insurance/DUI issue. Put it out there. Say I got a DUI. I need insurance. I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it. What can you guys do for me? If you conduct a diligent search, you'll likely find different insurance companies that can cover you and offer an affordable option. As I mentioned, over time, a DUI will be removed from your record for insurance purposes.
DUI Within 10 Years
That's another thing that people get confused about. They think that things go off your record related to the DUI after a certain period, and they get things confused. For example, if you receive a DUI that remains on your criminal record forever unless it is dismissed, it will be listed as a dismissal on your record.
For purposes of prior ability, meaning should if you get another one, they will look back ten years. When they get your new one, they're going to see if you have a DUI within ten years, and if you have, it's going to be a second-time DUI. That has nothing to do with insurance.
Insurance has various issues that it examines. They're going to pull your DMV record, ask you questions, and, depending on the insurance company, they may offer you a reasonable quote after three years. Whereas other insurance companies may say no, that's not long enough, we need six years.
Therefore, insurance companies related to DUIs have their policies. They deal with them as they wish. They have some flexibility. They have some discretion. The rules are not necessarily set in stone regarding DUIs and insurance. You have to do your due diligence. You have to check into it. You have to do internet searches. You need to talk to companies, and you should be able to obtain a reasonable rate related to insurance, even if you have a DUI on your record.
SR-22 Insurance
When you go to get the SR22 and try to figure out the whole insurance thing, probably the best person to talk to about that, in addition to your attorney, would be your agent.
Because if you have a middle-person agent to help get you the insurance, they have an incentive for you to continue to have insurance, so they're either going to try to help you deal with the SR22, because they want your business. They're going to help you figure out what kind of insurance you can get because this insurance company is no longer going to ensure you, or they're going to double, triple, quadruple your rate.
Remember, a lot of this is about common sense and perseverance. By investing time and effort, you can navigate your way through the insurance-related issues of your DUI case. With the right approach, you can overcome this hurdle and eventually move on with your life beyond the criminal justice system.
