Burbank DUI and Auto Insurance

A chief concern for anyone who has been accused of a Burbank DUI offense is what will happen to their auto insurance rates if convicted. Auto insurance in California can be very expensive and insurers often significantly increase policy rates for those who have been convicted of DUI.

Someone who has been cited for a Burbank DUI offense may not know when, or even if, they should report the incident to his or her insurer. If the driver has just been arrested for DUI it may make sense to delay alerting the insurance provider of the arrest. The charges may ultimately be declined, could be dismissed or the driver may be acquitted following trial. In addition, any potential DMV suspension may be set aside. If this happens, there would be no DUI incident to report to one’s insurer. Drivers should pay close attention to exactly what they are required to disclose as part of their policy and when they are required to disclose it. A person should never lie to his or her insurer, as this can lead to potential criminal charges. Most insurance declarations require the policyholder to sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury and a violation could lead to felony charges.

Insurance companies will eventually learn about a policyholder’s conviction for a Burbank DUI offense. Policies typically last six months, and every time a policy is being renewed the company will run a check on the policyholder’s driving record. Any DUI incident and/or conviction would be visible to the insurance company when this check is completed.

Additionally, a driver can tip off his or her insurer of a potential DUI when that driver attempts to purchase an SR-22 policy. An SR-22 policy is supplemental insurance that any driver convicted of a DUI or any driver who has his or her license suspended after an alcohol related driving incident is required to carry. Because of this, many drivers opt to shop for SR-22 coverage from a different car insurance company to avoid alerting their current insurer of any issues.

An auto insurance provider is not permitted to cancel or make changes to a driver’s policy for a DUI during the policy term. This means that while there may not be an immediate increase in insurance costs, drivers who have been convicted of DUI should expect to see their rates increase whenever their policy is due for renewal or when they attempt to purchase a new policy from a different provider.

While many drivers are justifiably concerned that a conviction for a Burbank DUI offense will cause their insurance rates to increase, DUI convictions are one of several factors that actuaries take into account when preparing an auto insurance quote. Companies will look at a driver’s age, marital/family status, sex, occupation, entire driving history, type of vehicle driver and other factors when determining policy rates. There is a great deal of competition in the automobile insurance market and even drivers who have DUI convictions may be able to find a company that will offer a reasonably priced policy.

Certain discounts available to California drivers would no longer exist for those convicted of a DUI offense in Burbank. A DUI would cause a driver to lose his or her “good driver” discount for ten years. Drivers who must carry SR-22 policies are automatically categorized as “high risk” drivers and would see their auto insurance rates go up.

Many people convicted of DUI offenses who rely on their cars fear that no insurance provider will cover them because of the conviction. California has recognized this potential problem and runs a website at California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan that is designed to help “high risk” drivers find insurance policies. Drivers should not forego carrying auto insurance, as driving without insurance in the proper amount could trigger a probation violation in addition to new criminal charges.

It you have been charged with DUI in Burbank, it is important that you speak with a Burbank DUI Attorney immediately. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Burbank DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut is highly adept at fighting all aspects of Driving Under the Influence cases. Mr. Kraut understands the law and works hard to help his clients avoid the collateral consequences associated with Burbank DUI offenses.

For more information about Burbank DUI and Auto Insurance, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Burbank DUI Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 2600 West Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, Burbank, CA 91505. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 818-563-9810.