How Does Getting a DWI Affect Insurance?

People who have received a DWI may believe that the worst is over after they pay thousands of dollars for lawyers and fines. Drivers often do

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not think about what this can do to their insurance rates. When someone gets a DWI, they will usually also have to get SR-22, which is added protection.  Some companies can be relatively nice about the SR-22 package, while others claim it nearly doubles the driver’s current rate.

DWI offenders will lose their license for a minimum of 30 days, assuming it is their first offense and they cooperate in taking the sobriety and breathalyzer tests. Drivers who refuse to take these tests will lose their license for a year, with the exception of driving to places of necessity. After receiving a DWI, it is important for the driver to immediately notify their current insurer to find out what will happen to their rates. If the current insurer is going to raise the rate, the driver needs to shop around. It is good to know that drivers can often find DWI insurance through brokers and internet insurers.

Drivers should not let a DWI offense raise their insurance rates through the roof. It is true that they made a mistake, but for the most part they are not as evil as the insurance company pictures them to be. The rates can, and likely will continue to rise over the next few years, but they will eventually return to normal levels. Drivers do need to ensure this is the only offense they receive, as it only gets worse for subsequent offenses.

 

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