Car insurance carriers use potential risk to calculate their rates – a driver’s risk of getting into an accident, having his or her car stolen, or colliding with an uninsured driver are some of the factors that affect insurance rates. Unfortunately, a drunk driving conviction usually causes an insurance carrier to raise a driver’s rates substantially, or cancel the policy altogether.
Many drivers arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) / Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) wonder whether they should immediately report the arrest to their insurance company. However, a driver who is merely arrested on suspicion of drunk driving is under no obligation to report it. Because individuals are innocent until proven guilty, there is no need to contact an insurance company unless convicted of drunk driving. An experienced New York DUI / DWI attorney can aggressively defend a driver in a criminal case and give advice on how to communicate with an insurance company.
Many large national insurance companies will cancel a DUI driver’s policy immediately upon learning about a conviction. Anyone facing a drunk driving charge or who has already been convicted of DUI / DWI can contact DUIAutoInsurance.com for a free, no-obligation quote.
Another issue facing convicted DUI / DWI drivers is the need to file an SR-22 form, or formal certificate of insurance, in the wake of a drunk driving conviction. Because SR-22s are only required of DUI drivers, requesting one from an insurance company is like waving a red flag to announce a drunk driving arrest. It’s critical to consult with a New York lawyer who focuses on drunk driving criminal defense to learn the best way to approach the filing of an SR-22 form and other insurance issues in the wake of DUI / DWI arrest.
