Yes, your insurance company will almost certainly find out if you get a DUI, especially when they review your driving record.
How Insurance Companies Discover a DUI
Insurance companies have several methods to become aware of a DUI conviction, making it highly unlikely that it will go unnoticed:
- Driving Record Checks: Insurers routinely check your driving record, also known as your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). They typically do this when you first apply for a policy or, more commonly, at policy renewal. This is their primary method for assessing your risk.
- The "Lookback Period": Insurance companies usually check your driving record for the last three to five years. This timeframe is commonly referred to as the "lookback period." If your DUI conviction falls within this window, there's a very high probability that your insurance company will discover it during their regular record checks.
- Policy Renewal: Before your auto insurance policy renews, your insurer will often pull your MVR to reassess your driving history and determine your risk profile. A DUI conviction will appear on this record.
- SR-22 Filing: In many states, a DUI conviction requires you to obtain an SR-22 certificate (sometimes called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility). This is not a type of insurance itself but a document filed by your insurance company with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove you have adequate liability insurance. The act of filing an SR-22 directly notifies your insurer of your high-risk status.
- Accident Claims: If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, especially if the DUI was related to the incident, the insurance company's investigation may uncover the conviction.
The Impact of a DUI on Your Auto Insurance
A DUI conviction signals a significant increase in risk to insurance providers, leading to a range of consequences:
- Substantial Premium Increases: This is the most immediate and common impact. Your insurance rates can increase dramatically, often doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling, due to the higher perceived risk of future accidents or claims.
- Policy Non-Renewal or Cancellation: Your current insurer may decide not to renew your policy at the end of its term, or in some cases, they might cancel it outright. Many standard insurance companies are unwilling to cover drivers with recent DUI convictions.
- Requirement for SR-22 Insurance: You will almost certainly need an SR-22 filing for a specified period, typically three to five years. This certificate confirms to the state that you meet the minimum liability insurance requirements. Your insurance company charges a fee for filing this form.
- Limited Insurance Options: Finding new coverage might become challenging. You may need to seek out specialized "high-risk" or "non-standard" insurance companies that are willing to insure drivers with DUIs, often at a significantly higher cost.
- Driver Exclusion: In rare cases, an insurer might exclude you from coverage on a household policy, meaning they will not cover you, but may continue to cover other drivers on the policy.
What to Expect After a DUI Conviction
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Driving Record Review | Insurers will check your MVR, especially within the 3-5 year "lookback period." |
| Premium Adjustment | Prepare for a significant increase in your insurance rates. |
| SR-22 Requirement | A state-mandated certificate proving financial responsibility for driving. |
| Policy Status Changes | Your current policy may be non-renewed or canceled. |
| Seeking New Coverage | You may need to find a high-risk or non-standard insurance provider. |
Managing Your Insurance After a DUI
While the consequences are significant, there are steps you can take:
- Understand Requirements: Fully comply with all court and DMV requirements related to your DUI, including completing any mandated programs and maintaining your SR-22.
- Shop Around: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies, specifically looking into those that specialize in high-risk drivers. Rates can vary widely between providers.
- Improve Your Driving Record: Over time, as your DUI conviction gets older and falls outside the common lookback periods, your rates may begin to decrease if you maintain a clean driving record.
