How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates in Indiana
At Rathburn Law Office P.C., P.C., we specialize in defending individuals charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), commonly known as DUI, throughout Indiana. With over 25 years of experience, Charles Rathburn is a nationally recognized expert in DUI defense. He is one of the few attorneys qualified as an expert on breath testing, field sobriety tests, and alcohol’s effects on the human body. Additionally, Mr. Rathburn is a certified phlebotomist, enhancing his ability to analyze blood and urine tests. Our firm is dedicated to providing thorough and effective legal representation, ensuring that every client receives the best possible defense.
A DUI conviction in Indiana can have serious long-term effects on your auto insurance rates. Not only can it result in higher premiums, but it may also limit your insurance coverage options and complicate your search for affordable coverage. In this blog, we will explore the specific impact of a DUI on your car insurance rates, how car insurance companies assess the risk, and what steps you can take to reduce the financial burden. Understanding these factors is essential for managing the costs and maintaining proper insurance coverage after a DUI conviction.
In this blog, we’ll explore how a DUI conviction affects your auto insurance rates in Indiana, and discuss how working with an experienced Indianapolis DUI defense attorney can help reduce the impact on your car insurance premiums and coverage options.
Understanding DUI Convictions in Indiana
A DUI conviction in Indiana can significantly impact your auto insurance rates. It’s essential to understand the legal implications and how it affects your driving record and insurance premiums.
Indiana DUI Laws
In Indiana, driving under the influence is regulated under Indiana Code 9-30-5. If you are arrested for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), it means you were found driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This law applies to all drivers, including those operating commercial vehicles and motorcyclists.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Indiana can lead to several penalties. These include fines, possible jail time, and mandatory alcohol education classes. Most importantly, it results in a driving record that insurance companies use to determine your auto insurance premiums. A conviction stays on your record for five years.
Impact on Auto Insurance Rates
After a DUI conviction, auto insurance rates typically increase. Insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI conviction to be high-risk, meaning they charge higher premiums. Car insurance costs may increase by 30% to 50%, depending on the severity of the offense and the driver’s history.
SR-22 Requirement
In Indiana, if your license is suspended due to a DUI, you may need to file an SR-22 form to reinstate your driving privileges. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. The SR-22 requirement can also lead to higher insurance premiums.
How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction has a direct impact on your auto insurance rates. It changes how insurers assess your risk and can significantly increase your car insurance premiums.
Increased Insurance Premiums
After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates can increase by as much as 30% to 50%. Insurance companies view DUI convictions as a sign of risky behavior, which raises the perceived risk of insuring you. As a result, you may face much higher auto insurance premiums than before the conviction.
High-Risk Classification
Most car insurance companies classify drivers with a DUI as high-risk. This classification leads to higher car insurance premiums. Insurers may limit the insurance coverage options available, making it harder to find affordable auto insurance.
Limited Coverage Options
A DUI conviction can limit the types of coverage car insurance you can access. For example, comprehensive and collision coverage may become more expensive or harder to obtain. Some insurers might offer only the minimum coverage required by law, which may not be enough to fully protect you.
SR-22 Insurance Filing
In many cases, Indiana drivers convicted of DUI must file an SR-22 form to maintain their driving privileges. This form verifies that you have minimum coverage auto insurance. The SR-22 requirement itself can lead to even higher car insurance rates due to the added risk insurers associate with drivers who need to file this form.
Long-Term Effects on Insurance
A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for five years in Indiana. During this time, your auto insurance premiums will likely remain elevated. After the conviction period, you may see your rates decrease, but it will take time for your driving history to fully recover.
What Car Insurance Companies Look At
When determining your auto insurance rates, car insurance companies evaluate several factors. Understanding what they focus on can help you manage your insurance costs.
Driving Record
One of the primary factors car insurance companies consider is your driving record. A DUI conviction can significantly impact this, as it marks you as a higher-risk driver. Insurers rely on your driving history to predict the likelihood of future claims, so a conviction may result in higher car insurance premiums.
Credit History
Car insurance companies often use your credit history to assess risk. Drivers with poor credit may face higher auto insurance rates. This is because studies show a correlation between poor credit and the likelihood of filing a claim. Maintaining good credit can help reduce your auto insurance premiums, even after a DUI conviction.
Insurance Coverage History
Your previous insurance coverage history is also a factor. If you have a history of lapses in coverage or if you were previously dropped by an insurer due to a DUI, this will likely increase your car insurance premiums. Insurers value a stable insurance policy with no interruptions.
Type of Vehicle
The type of vehicle you drive impacts your auto insurance rates. Cars with higher repair costs, more expensive parts, or higher theft rates will result in higher car insurance premiums. If you drive a high-risk vehicle, this can compound the increase in rates due to a DUI conviction.
Location and Driving Habits
Car insurance companies also consider where you live and how much you drive. If you live in an area with high accident rates or if you have a long commute, your auto insurance premiums may be higher. Additionally, drivers who use their cars for business or have high annual mileage may face increased car insurance rates.
Possible Consequences of DUI Convictions on Insurance Policies
A DUI conviction can lead to several negative consequences for your auto insurance policy. These consequences can affect your coverage options and increase your insurance premiums.
Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal
After a DUI conviction, car insurance companies may choose to cancel or not renew your insurance policy. This is especially true if the conviction shows a pattern of risky behavior. If your policy is canceled, you may have to find a new insurer that offers auto insurance coverage, often at a higher cost due to the DUI.
Higher Premiums
Even if your insurance policy is not canceled, a DUI conviction will likely result in higher auto insurance premiums. Insurers may raise your rates due to the increased risk of insuring a driver with a DUI on their driving record. These higher premiums can last for several years, as the DUI conviction remains on your record for five years in Indiana.
Limited Coverage Options
A DUI conviction can also limit the insurance coverage available to you. Car insurance companies may reduce your options for comprehensive and collision coverage, making it harder to find affordable auto insurance that meets your needs. In some cases, insurers may offer only minimum coverage required by law, leaving you underinsured.
SR-22 Requirement
In Indiana, a DUI conviction often leads to an SR-22 requirement. This form proves that you carry the state-required minimum coverage auto insurance. The SR-22 filing is an additional step that can increase your insurance premiums, as insurers associate it with higher risk. The SR-22 requirement generally lasts for three years in Indiana.
Difficulty Finding Insurance
With a DUI on your driving record, it can become difficult to find an affordable auto insurance policy. Many car insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver, making it harder to secure coverage. You may need to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
How to Reduce the Impact on Your Auto Insurance Rates
While a DUI conviction can increase your auto insurance rates, there are ways to minimize its impact. Taking specific steps can help lower your insurance premiums over time.
Consult a DUI Defense Lawyer
Working with a DUI defense lawyer may help reduce the severity of your conviction. If the charges are lowered or dismissed, it could prevent a DUI from appearing on your driving record. A cleaner driving history can lead to lower car insurance premiums.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. This demonstrates to insurers that you are actively working to improve your driving habits. Completing this course can help reduce your auto insurance rates and improve your chances of qualifying for discounts.
Shop Around for Auto Insurance
After a DUI conviction, it is important to compare car insurance quotes from different insurers. Prices can vary significantly, so shopping around can help you find more affordable auto insurance. Some car insurance companies specialize in offering policies for high-risk drivers, which may help you secure better coverage at a lower rate.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
The best way to reduce your auto insurance premiums after a DUI conviction is to maintain a clean driving record. Avoid any additional traffic violations or accidents, and demonstrate safe driving over time. As your driving history improves, many car insurance companies may gradually lower your insurance rates.
Consider Higher Deductibles
Opting for a higher deductible on your auto insurance policy can help lower your monthly premiums. However, be sure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident. This strategy can reduce car insurance costs while still maintaining necessary insurance coverage.
Get Help Reducing the Impact of a DUI on Your Auto Insurance Rates!
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Indiana, don’t face the consequences alone. The experienced team at Rathburn Law Office P.C., P.C. is here to help protect your rights and minimize the impact on your auto insurance rates.
Contact us at 317.671.8965 for a free case consultation today!
