Finding the Best Auto Insurance Rates after a DUI

No one ever plans to end up with a DUI, but the reality is there is an increase with each passing year. If you were caught drinking and driving, the consequence of a DUI will definitely be expensive.

After you are done paying the fines and while getting your license re-instated, you need to think about how you will insure your vehicle. If you had a clean driving record before your ‘unfortunate incident’, there is a possibility that your current insurance carrier will cancel you.

Some companies write policies only for low risk drivers; this is how they keep their rates among the most competitive. Of course, this is great when you have a spotless driving record, but when you end up with a large blemish on your record, they often decide to drop coverage. If, on the other hand, your insurance provider is still willing to cover you even with your DUI, then there is a possibility you will be better off staying with them. However, it never hurts to check around regardless of how good a rate you think they are offering.

Shopping for the Best Rates: After the DUI, your objective is to find the lowest rates and best coverage for your situation. Since different insurance carriers specialize in catering to different segments of the market, you will need to call several providers and compare their rates. Another approach is to talk with an independent insurance broker that has access to multiple insurance carriers.

The advantage of an independent agent is they do not work for any one particular insurance company, so they will not try to steer you toward a company that will charge you more than you should pay. An independent agent will simply analyze your information and shop on your behalf among the top 15-25 insurers in your area to find the one that best fits your needs. So with one phone call, you may be well on your way to putting your driving life back on track after a DUI.

Keeping your Rates Low after the DUI: Once you are insured again and back on the road, the obvious way to bring your rates lower over time is to stay out of any situation that may result in you ending up with another DUI. Beyond that, here are some other ways to lower your rates:

• Raise your credit score
• Reduce your annual driving miles
• Stay accident free
• Get married

Essentially, any lifestyle changes you make that show more stability will put you in a lower risk pool. Moreover, after 5 years of clean driving, you should be ready to return to paying rock bottom insurance rates.