Top 10 Best Way to Lower Auto Insurance After a DUI
Getting a DUI isn't just a bad experience, it can also make your car insurance premiums go up. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your rates after a DUI.
A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for a few years, and insurers can charge you more to cover the risk. The exact length depends on your state.
1. Drive Safely
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most dangerous offenses you can do. Not only does it put you and others on the road at risk, but it can also wreak havoc on your insurance rates.
It's important to note that while you can't control your DUI, you can do things to minimize its impact on your auto insurance rates.
The best way to lower your auto insurance after a DUI is by driving safely. That is if your license is not suspended. Avoiding speeding tickets, car accidents and other traffic violations is essential to demonstrating that you're a safe driver.
In addition to driving safely, you'll also want to take advantage of any discounts you may qualify for that can help reduce your premiums. For instance, some insurers offer a good driver discount after a first DUI conviction if you have no other traffic violations since then.
2. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many car insurance companies are legally obligated to offer discounts on your policy after you complete a defensive driving course. These discounts are typically in the range of 5% to 15%.
Defensive driving courses teach drivers about safe driving techniques and state traffic laws. They also provide information about common safety issues such as speed control, lane changes, and other road hazard issues.
In addition, some courses can help you keep tickets off your record and lower your car insurance rates. The savings can be significant.
If you’ve been cited for a DUI or have received several points on your driver’s license, you may be required to take a defensive driving course. This can make you a safer driver on the road and protect you from losing your license in the future.
3. Get Rid of Unnecessary Coverage
A DUI conviction will make it difficult to get insurance, and some carriers will deny you coverage altogether.
As with just about any infraction, the car insurance industry bases your rates on your driving record and calculates how much risk you represent. Drivers with a DUI conviction are considered high-risk drivers, and this can result in substantial rate increases over the course of several years.
The best way to lower your auto insurance after a DUI is to shop around and see how much different insurers charge for similar policies. You should also look for discounts that could reduce your premiums, such as a good driver discount or bundling your policy with your homeowners or renters policy.
4. Shop Around
If you want to lower your auto insurance rates, the best thing you can do is shop around. You can get price quotes online, call up companies directly or use your state's insurance department to compare prices from major insurers.
The types of coverage you buy and their limits will have an impact on your premiums. For example, reducing your liability coverage or raising your deductibles can help you save on premiums.
Maintaining good credit history can also lower your rates. However, some states don't allow car insurers to use credit when determining rates.
Drivers should shop around to find the cheapest auto insurance rates after a DUI. Insurers often change their pricing after three and five years, so it's important to shop again at those times.
5. Maintain Good Credit Score
Maintaining good credit is the best way to keep your auto insurance rates down after a DUI. This includes ensuring you don’t have a high balance on your credit cards or use too much of your available credit.
You also need to be sure you’re paying your bills on time. Missed payments can lower your credit score, so make it a priority to pay off your debt and avoid late payments.
Having good credit can help you qualify for the most competitively priced loans and credit cards. It may even allow you to avoid a security deposit on utilities or more easily qualify for a rental apartment if your prospective landlord checks your credit history.
6. Avoid Additional Infractions
One of the best ways to save money on your auto insurance is to avoid getting into a crash in the first place. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to prevent this from happening, including taking a defensive driving course and avoiding texting while driving.
Other tips to keep in mind include obtaining the best possible car insurance quote, ensuring that you don’t purchase an expensive policy, and comparing prices on a regular basis to ensure that you are paying the lowest premium for your coverage.
The best way to do this is to get at least three quotes - one from each of the major car insurers in your area. The biggest challenge will be finding an insurer who is willing to offer you the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
7. Drive a Safe Vehicle
Driving a car is one of the great luxuries that many people enjoy. It provides independence, convenience and a way to escape from the stress of everyday life.
The freedom that comes with driving can also come with a lot of responsibilities, including the responsibility to protect yourself and others on the road. A DUI conviction is one of the most serious driving offenses, and can lead to significant hikes in auto insurance premiums.
Fortunately, it is possible to lower your car insurance after a DUI. The best way to do this is to drive safely and avoid additional infractions.
8. Install an Ignition Interlock
An ignition interlock device is a small piece of equipment that prevents drivers from starting their vehicle if they blow too much alcohol into a breathalyzer. It's a fairly simple system, but it has a lot of potential for making the roads safer.
States that require all DUI offenders to have these devices installed have seen an incredible drop in DWI-related deaths.
These devices can be a bit pricey, but they're worth the expense for both you and your auto insurance company. Some companies offer a discount to customers who have one in their vehicles.
9. Get a Non-Owner Policy
The best way to lower your auto insurance after a DUI is to get a non-owner policy. This type of coverage is perfect for drivers who often borrow cars or rent them.
A non-owner policy can also serve as proof of insurance if you need to get your license reinstated after a DUI. Most states require you to submit an SR-22 or FR-44, which a non-owner policy will satisfy.
Having a DUI on your driving record can impact your car insurance rates for up to five years. This is why it’s so important to shop around right away after you receive your DUI.
10. Take a Defensive Driving Course
One of the best ways to lower auto insurance after a DUI is to take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discounts of 5% to 15% for drivers who complete a defensive driving course, which can save you hundreds of dollars in a three-year period.
Drivers who successfully complete a course also tend to maintain the safe driving habits they learned in the class, which can help keep their driving records clean and prevent future tickets or accidents.
Most insurance companies offer these discounts to their customers, and you can retake the course every three years to maintain your discount. However, not all states support this incentive and some insurers may only offer these discounts to certain drivers.
