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If you are convicted of a DWI then you better be prepared for your vehicle insurance to skyrocket. DWI auto insurance rates are more than any other classification of driver's will pay. This is because a DWI conviction classifies you as a high risk driver and you will pay more in premiums to cover that risk. If you live in a state where auto insurance is optional it may not be such a big deal. However there are plenty of states where it is mandatory and the DWI auto insurance rates may be too much for you to pay.
You may get lucky though because may insurance companies only review a person's driving record every three years. The fact that you have a DWI may go undetected for quite some time on your current policy so you won't be charge more. Should you decide to switch companies though for auto insurance or make any changes to your current policy your DWI will be discovered. Many times a DWI can result in your request for auto insurance not being honored or your current policy being canceled.
The Department of Motor Vehicles has made it harder for those with DWI convictions to hide them from insurance companies though. In many states a SR-22 form of insurance is required before the person can get their driver's license reinstated. This requires contacting your insurance company and letting them know about the situation. SR-22 insurance is more expensive that regular auto insurance because of the high risk involved with the driver. You can expect to be mandated by the Department of Motor Vehicles to have this type of insurance for up to five years.
To make sure you keep the SR-22 insurance coverage after you provide proof the Department of Motor Vehicles has your file flagged by the insurance company. Should you cancel the insurance policy or they cancel it for non-payment they will be notified and your diver's license will be suspended.
The insurance company does reserve the right to cancel an auto insurance policy should they find out you have a DWI. They don't have to offer the SR-22 coverage but many of them do because of the high amount of money they can charge for it. If the insurance company plans to cancel your current policy written notice will be sent to you so you are aware of the situation.
According to various studies 25% of individuals with a DWI conviction never find it showing up on their driving record. This is often due to the lack of effective documenting between the legal system and the Department of Motor Vehicles. In other states the DWI can be eliminated after the driver completes a treatment program and a driver's education class.
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