DUI – An Insurance Buzz Kill

Insurance costs can be high with a good driving record, but a DUI will surely drive, no pun intended, the insurance rates up.  A DUI puts you in the classification of a high risk driver and with that comes high rates.  An error in judgment can cost thousands of dollars, valuable time and in some cases possibly your reputation.

The media, specifically television, does an excellent job of portraying drinking and driving as a behavior that carries no consequences.  For the sake of arguements we will not discuss the roles parents, family members, and friends play in this.  Commercials, movies, and prime-time sitcoms have portrayed a person intoxicated or under the influence as acceptable behavior, or by drinking a specific brand of alcohol you will find your happiness.  Realistic huh?  

Is this where the “it is okay to drink and drive” mentality begins?  But what is not shown is the aftermath of administrative hearings, court, jail time, ignition interlock devices or additional insurance requirements.

Whether you own a car or not when you are convicted of a DUI Offense or other serious traffic violation, you will need either the Operators SR22 Insurance Filing or Non Owners SR22 Insurance.  You may be asking yourself, what is the difference?  They are both filed with the State however the Operator’s SR22 Insurance is for those that own a vehicle while the Non Owner’s SR22 Insurance is for those that do not own a vehicle  but must provide proof of insurance to reinstate their driving privileges. 

Each state has varying requirements for the length of time the SR22 Insurance is required depending on the number of offenses.  California for instance has required all insurance companies to report all private-use insurance information to the DMV since 2006.  Regardless of whether you are required to carry SR22 Insurance or not, the California DMV will be notified and can and will suspend your driver license if you do not have proper insurance.

There is a lot at stake.  If you are convicted of a DUI, it goes on your driving record permanently.  Your employer and potential employer will be able to see it.  Or if your job requires you to drive and meet clients, your clients will know.  You have a client meeting and in order to start your car, you have to breathe into an Ignition Interlock Device.  Is that client questioning your ability to handle their account? 

More often than not our personal lives affect our business world.  Or you neglect to obtain the proper insurance because it may cost too much, but you have not done the research.  You are reported to the State’s Department of Motor Vehicles as not having insurance and your driver license is suspended. 

A DUI Offense is not a matter which you want to take your chances and represent yourself.  Nor is it a matter that you choose to sit on the sideline.  Obtain an attorney specializing in DUI cases, ask questions and get the information.  As Legislatures with the lobbying skills of entities such as M.A.D.D. continue to implement stricter and tougher laws on DUI Offenders, it is vital that you are aware of what is required for you to correct a bad judgment call.