How Does a DWI Conviction Affect My Auto Insurance?

After a fun night of celebrating a friend’s milestone at a bar, you want nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep it off. Rather than doing the smart thing and calling a cab, you get behind the wheel so you can make it home faster. But your intoxicated state shows in your sloppy driving and you get pulled over and slapped with a DWI after blowing a blood alcohol content reading of over 0.08 percent.

So, what happens next? How does a DWI conviction affect you and your auto insurance?

If you have a clean driving record with no previous offences, you may get away with just a fine. However, more driving infractions on your record makes you a riskier driver and you may face license suspension or even jail time. Whatever the case, you can expect the DWI to stay on your record for at least three years, which can limit your ability to apply for loans, find work, rent an apartment, obtain credit and more.

Now let’s look at how a DWI can affect your auto insurance. A main factor in calculating auto insurance premiums is the risk you present as a driver. With a DWI on record, you present a pretty high risk since you’ve displayed extremely dangerous behavior on the road. For this reason, you can generally expect your premiums to increase after receiving a DWI.

In some cases, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which acts as proof that you have auto insurance. If your coverage lapses for any reason, your insurer is obligated to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles and your license can be suspended until coverage is restored. You will be informed if you’re required to obtain SR-22 insurance and for how long you must maintain it.

Do you have a DWI? Our agency can help you find the coverage you need, even with a less than stellar driving record.

We’ve got you covered. Call ACF Insurance Services at (919) 661-1100 for more information on Raleigh DWI insurance.