Having a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) on your record will without a doubt increase the cost of your auto insurance and may even make it impossible to get coverage. If you have been convicted of a DUI or have a poor driving history, you are in good company, but there are measures that you can take to lessen the burden on your wallet and get your driving record clean.
At A1 Insurance, we pride ourselves in assisting drivers in Gastonia, Shelby, and Forest City, NC to find affordable auto insurance even after a DUI. In this article, we will explain how a DUI affects your insurance, how long it stays on your record, and the steps you can take to bring down your premiums.
How a DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance in North Carolina
1. Higher Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies classify drivers with a DUI as high-risk, meaning they are more likely to file claims. As a result, insurance premiums increase significantly—often by 100% or more.
2. A DUI Stays on Your Record for Years
In North Carolina, a DUI stays on your driving record for 7 years. However, insurance companies typically consider the impact of a DUI for at least 3 to 5 years when determining your rates.
3. You May Need SR-22 Insurance
If your license was suspended after a DUI, you may be required to file an SR-22 with the North Carolina DMV. This form proves that you have the state’s minimum required insurance coverage. Not all insurers offer SR-22 policies, so finding coverage can be challenging.
4. Limited Insurance Options
After a DUI, some insurers may refuse to cover you or only offer policies with extremely high premiums. That’s why it’s essential to shop around and compare rates from multiple providers.
How Long Does It Take to Get Out of the High-Risk Category?
A DUI doesn’t impact your insurance rates forever. Here’s how long different violations stay on your record:
- Minor Violations (Speeding, Accidents, etc.)– 3 years
- Major Violations (DUI, Reckless Driving, etc.)– 5+ years
- SR-22 Requirement– Typically needed for 3 years
The good news? Your rates will gradually decrease if you maintain a clean driving record over time.
How to Reduce High-Risk Auto Insurance Rates Over Time
If you are a high risk driver, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to bring down the premiums:
1. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Some companies actually give you a discount for taking a defensive driving course that is approved by the state. This shows responsible driving and may help offset the effects of the DUI.
2. Maintain Continuous Coverage
It can be difficult to get affordable rates if you have been uninsured at some point. It is important to never go without insurance.
3. Improve Your Credit Score
In North Carolina, credit history is used by insurance companies to set rates. If your credit score improves, you may be eligible for better rates on your auto insurance over time
4. Shop for Better Insurance Policies
Not all insurance companies have the same rates for high risk drivers. Shopping for auto insurance in Gastonia, Shelby and Forest City, NC may help you find a better rate.
5. Safe Driving and No Future Violations
Having a single speeding ticket or an accident will reset any progress that you had made towards lower rates. The best way to avoid this is to be careful while driving and obeying traffic rules so as to maintain a clean record.
Find Affordable Auto Insurance in Gastonia, Shelby, and Forest City, NC
If you have a DUI or a high risk driving record, you shouldn’t overpay for your insurance. At A1 Insurance, we offer North Carolina drivers solutions for affordable, high risk auto insurance.
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🏢 Shelby Office: (704) 481-8223
🏢 Forest City Office: (828) 245-3937
🏢 Gastonia Office: (704) 866-7550
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