Not Telling Insurance About a DUI – Can I Get in Trouble?

Should you inform your car insurance provider about a DUI conviction?

It’s a wise idea to disclose a conviction for driving under the influence to your car insurance company, even though there is no universal law that obligates you to do so. While the DMV, court, and police won’t typically inform your insurance provider about a DUI conviction, failing to disclose it could result in your insurance provider denying your future claim or accusing you of insurance fraud. However, if you’re going to contest a DUI charge in court, you probably don’t need to inform your insurer about the DUI charge or arrest. On the other hand, if you are convicted of an alcohol-related offense, you should probably inform your insurance provider.

Will your car insurance company learn of a DUI?

There’s a good chance that your car insurance provider may learn of a past DUI conviction when it’s time to renew your auto insurance policy. Your insurance provider will likely review your driving record or get a motor vehicle report from the DMV during renewal. The company will most likely discover a DUI conviction in this scenario. Typically, car insurance providers only look back three to five years on your driving record for a DUI. This period is known as the company’s “lookback period.” If you received a DUI within the past three to five years, your insurance company will most likely discover it. It’s worth noting that your insurance provider will probably learn of your DUI if you ask for proof of insurance coverage (usually an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate) to reinstate your driver’s license.

Will a DUI cause your car insurance policy to be canceled?

Upon learning of a DUI, your insurance provider cannot cancel your insurance policy. However, when your policy is up for renewal, your insurance provider can cancel it because of a DUI. If you have a clean driving record and were convicted of a first-time DUI, your insurance provider is unlikely to cancel your coverage. However, any “good driver discounts” you may have received may be taken away. But if you are a high-risk driver with multiple DUI convictions, your insurance provider is likely to cancel your policy.

Will your car insurance premiums increase after a DUI?

Typically, your car insurance premiums will increase after renewing your policy upon receiving a DUI conviction. A DUI conviction makes you a “high-risk driver,” even if you were only convicted once for drunk driving. Your insurance provider considers many factors, including your driving history, prior accidents, credit score, and criminal record, when determining your insurance costs. If you receive an exorbitant insurance quote following a DUI conviction, you can shop around to see if you can find a cheaper rate from another insurance provider. For example, if you’re an Allstate customer, you can try to obtain a less expensive policy from a company like State Farm.