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Car Insurance in California After a DUI

For most people in California, a DUI conviction will affect many aspects of life. One of the most expensive and lasting consequences is the rise in your auto insurance rates. Most people are aware that their car insurance after a dui will go up but may not be aware of the extent. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions.

Arrested for a DUI in California? Don’t let one mistake ruin your future. Contact us today at (707) 986-4482 for a free consultation and start building your defense.

What a DUI Means to Insurance Companies

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in California, one thing is for certain: your car insurance will go up. But the question of how much these rates will increase is sometimes shrouded in mystery. Insurance companies are given wide discretion as to how much more you’ll have to pay – and many people have experienced astronomical increases. Some have been charged upwards of $1,000 more due to a DUI.

Why is there usually such a significant increase? Insurance providers typically don’t just name a price. They calculate monthly premiums by using a formula. While the formula varies from company to company, the factors considered generally remain the same. They include (but are not limited to):

  • The type of car you drive
  • The city or state you live in
  • Your age
  • The color of your car
  • The type of driving infractions on your record
  • The amount of driving infractions you’ve accrued over time

Using this information, an insurance provider will be able to assess the “risk” of a motorist and come up with what they believe is a reasonable premium rate.

DUIs and Risk Driver Classification

On most auto insurance plans, motorists are classified as either a high-risk driver or a low-risk driver. As the name suggests, a “high risk” driver is one who is risky to insure because of a poor driving record and/or inexperience. Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to be deemed a “high risk” driver. One mistake, like getting into a car accident, receiving a citation, or even having a poor credit history can put you in a pickle.

With a DUI on your driving record, even for a first offense, you’ll almost always be considered high risk. In this predicament, your insurance provider will confront you with one of three options: (1) a high rate increase (2) the ultimatum of purchasing “high risk” insurance or (3) a request to withdraw from the company altogether. Individuals who have a second DUI, third DUI, or subsequent DUI on their record are more susceptible to being dropped by their insurance.

If you’re a high-risk driver, you might think it’s too expensive to get insurance. But remember, driving without car insurance is illegal in California. If you’re caught driving without insurance you may lose your license.

What is California’s Sr-22 Requirement?

If you were a policyholder prior to your DUI conviction, you are required to get your insurance company to file an SR-22 form to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. An SR-22 is essentially proof that you meet the state’s minimum requirements for auto insurance liability coverage.

In order to obtain an SR-22, you must contact your car insurance company. Once you tell your company that you need one, it will alert them that a significant event occurred. It is up to the provider to either issue you the certificate or cancel your policy. It’s important to note that all car insurance carry provide SR-22 coverage. If your company cancels you, then you will be required to seek an SR-22 elsewhere.

Does A Dismissed DUI Affect My Insurance?

It is possible for a withdrawn DUI charge to affect your insurance rates under certain circumstances. Most of the time, insurance companies increase your rates not because of your DUI charge, but rather because of other things on your driving record that show you are a higher risk driver. So does a dismissed DUI affect your insurance rate? No. 

Here are some instances of what could impact your insurance rate surrounding a dismissed DUI:

  • Other traffic violations you're cited for at the time of the DUI like speeding
  • If you plead guilty to a lesser offense such as reckless driving to avoid the DUI going on your record
  • You inform your insurance company that you were drunk driving
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Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 2-pounds Of Marijuana For Sale
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 7-pounds Of Methamphetamine With Intent To Sell
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing Marijuana
  • Not Guilty Client Charged With Assault Charges And Gang Enhancements
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Battery On A Correctional Officer And Resisting An Officer
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Cultivation Of Marijuana, Possession Of Marijuana For Sale, And Misdemeanor Narcotics Charges
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Possession Of A Baton And Misdemeanor Possession Of A Concealed Handgun
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Possession
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Theft And Elder Fraud

How Long Will a DUI Affect My Insurance Rates?

The duration of time a DUI may affect your insurance rates vary. But the majority of the time, rates drop at around three years. Even for first-time offenses, drivers over the age of 21 should expect to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in their insurance rates. 

Charged With a DUI in Santa Rosa? Contact an Attorney Today

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI in Santa Rosa, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you can get a legal professional on your case, the more time you give them to build a solid defense. Regardless of your circumstances, a DUI is a criminal offense that requires skilled, experienced, and aggressive criminal defense representation. As you can see, there are serious financial consequences imposed after a conviction that can make it difficult to continue living your life as normal. Hence, why you should do everything in your power now to fight this charge.

Wilber Law Offices, P.C. has successfully represented numerous clients who’ve been charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI offenses. Our team has helped people in this predicament get their charges reduced or dismissed, and they can do the same for you. 

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I’ve known Ryan for the better part of 20 years, he is very passionate about his work and it shows!”
    I just went through the painstaking process of getting a DUI in Sonoma County. Ryan Wilber and his team did an amazing job in making this process go as smooth as possible. I’ve known Ryan for the better part of 20 years, he is very passionate about his work and it shows! Ryan and his office kept me informed with the most up to date information regarding my case and I was also able to log into an online account that was set up where I could access all of my documents. If you need legal help I would highly recommend Wilber Law Offices.
    Beau K.
    “Thank You! I am beyond thankful and amazed by their work.”
    Ryan absolutely did magic on my trial, and was able to change my life by dodging an underage DUI. This would have been huge for my life and record for 10 years !  Jake as well was always there when I needed him. Always had time, patient and helped me tremendously with the stress I was going through during the process of my DUI. Both were genuine and caring attorneys who are the best at what they do. Thank You ! I am beyond thankful and amazed by their work.
    Sam
    “If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.”
    Ryan Wilber & Wilber Law Offices helped me a lot (and that’s an understatement!)  He was able to negotiate a deal for me that saved my career and kept me out of serious trouble. They are the best in Santa Rosa / Sonoma County. If you need legal help I fully recommend them!  If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.  He acted as a shield in my time of need and is the legal protection you want to hire in the complicated legal process of the court system.
    William H.
    “I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me.”
    I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me. I’ve talked to a few other lawyers in the past that I felt good about and were knowledgeable, but where Ryan really stood apart from the others was in his ability to help me fully grasp my options and clarify the legal process so I could make hard decisions with confidence. I was getting pushed around and feeling a bit intimidated before he helped me fight back. I’m very thankful to have Ryan there when I need him!
    Former Client
    “I would definitely recommend Ryan Wilber to anyone in need of top notch legal representation.”
    I have used Ryan Wilber several times. Ryan’s representation is both aggressive, and intelligent. His real word experience has proven invaluable to me, and has significantly lessened the consequences of my actions. I found Ryan’s rates to be as good or better then anywhere else around town. Ryan was available to me every time I needed to talk to him. I would definitely recommend Ryan Wilber to anyone in need of top notch legal representation.
    TC
    “Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive.”
    There are no words on how to thank you for all you have done for me and our family, especially John Doe. He has been given a second chance at life and I will pray and hope that he will succeed… Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive. You should be highly regarded…
    Former Client
    “One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process.”
    One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process. Want to point out Ryan Wilber in particular, a special breed of cat. He is smart, intuitive and a brilliant lawyer!
    Scott J.
    “I believe you were God sent because the times where I felt discouraged and felt like giving up your encouragement and support helped me to once again stand and be confident in the type of man I am and the heart that I have”
    I believe you were God sent because the times where I felt discouraged and felt like giving up your encouragement and support helped me to once again stand and be confident in the type of man I am and the heart that I have… I feel a huge burden has been lifted and I finally have closure after all this time and I can finally move forward… your support has really helped me through one of the most traumatic ordeals of my life.
    Former Client