Getting charged with a major type of driving offense, such as a DUI or DWI, can affect a lot of things in your life, including your driving privileges, criminal record, and auto insurance. When you are charged with a crime like this, your insurance company will receive a notification about it, and they will likely recalculate your rates based on this new information.

Why this matters to your insurance company

When you are charged with a DUI, it matters to your insurance company because of the effects it has on your risk level. A DUI on your record indicates an increase in your risk level, and this will likely affect your car insurance rates.

Your insurance will probably increase

Anytime your risk level increases, it will lead to an increase in insurance premiums. Risk level is extremely important to insurance companies, and insurance companies are good at knowing how to evaluate a person's risk. Certain things, such as DUIs will increase risks, while other things a person does may decrease risks. The amount of the increase will depend on a lot of factors, as there is not set formula used to determine rate increases after a DUI occurs.

You may need SR-22 coverage

The other thing to understand is that it is not uncommon for a person with a DUI to need SR-22 coverage. SR-22 is a type of coverage that keeps the DMV notified of your insurance status. When you purchase this type of policy, the insurance company tells the DMV you have insurance. If you switch to a new company or fail to pay your premiums, the insurance company will let the DMV know that you no longer have coverage. It typically costs more for this coverage, because there are more requirements the insurance company has when issuing it.

Taking a defensive driving course might help

If you are hoping to keep your insurance rates as low as possible, you might benefit by completing a defensive driving course; however, you should ask your agent before doing this to find out if it will help. A lot of insurance companies offer discounts to anyone who takes a defensive driving course, and that is why many high-risk drivers take a course even when it is not a requirement.

If you have questions about your auto insurance rates or need a quote for auto insurance, contact an insurance company such as Angel Auto Insurance today.

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