How Can a DUI Affect Your Insurance?

If you are convicted of DUI in Georgia, you face potential jail time as well as steep fines and challenging social consequences. Another financial concern, however, is the cost of your insurance premiums, which are likely to skyrocket and can have a financial impact well into your future. If you are facing a DUI charge, the stakes are high, but an experienced Cumming DUI defense attorney can help.

Looking beyond the Legal and Social Consequences

Having a DUI conviction on your record comes with serious legal and social consequences that make bringing your strongest defense well worth the effort. A conviction can also, however, land you with very steep insurance premiums – if your policy isn’t canceled altogether. This can interfere with your ability to drive, which, in turn, can interfere with your ability to earn a living. In other words, rising insurance costs can have a snowball effect.

Your Car Insurance Policy

After a DUI conviction, some auto insurance providers automatically spike the insured person’s premiums or simply cancel their policy outright. At this point, finding more affordable coverage can be exceptionally challenging, and you may be forced to purchase SR-22 coverage, which certifies that you meet Georgia’s minimum insurance requirements and comes with a hefty price tag.

Driving without the requisite insurance coverage is a separate crime, which makes doing so a uniquely bad option. Additionally, the coverage available to you may be limited to liability, which won’t meet the requirements that apply if you have a car loan. The bottom line is that the matter of your car insurance after a DUI conviction can be far more complicated than you may have bargained for.

License Suspension

There is also the matter of license suspension to consider. For a first offense, you’re looking at a 12-month suspension. If, however, you fulfill each of the following requirements, you may be eligible for reinstatement at the 120-day mark:

  • A 120-day license suspension 
  • A certificate of completion from an approved risk-reduction program
  • Payment of all reinstatement fees

A Limited Driving Permit

You may also qualify for a limited driving permit, which will seriously limit when and for what purpose you’re allowed to drive. For example, you may be permitted to drive to your job, to your scheduled medical appointments, to school, or to alcohol support groups. You may also be allowed to drive unlicensed family members to similar destinations.

You Need an Experienced Cumming DUI Defense Lawyer Backing You Up

The compassionate Cumming DUI defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are well acquainted with the cascading challenges that come with DUI convictions, and we are well prepared to do everything in our power to help minimize the consequences you face, with the goal of avoiding a conviction altogether. Your future is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t wait to reach out for more information about what we can do to help you by contacting us online or calling us at 770-887-1209 today.