If you have been charged with a DUI in West Chester, there are many consequences that come in the wake of the conviction, including the penalties related to your car insurance.
There are enough consequences to sort through following a DUI conviction, including jail time, fines, and more. Here is some detailed info on how to better understand the after-effects of your car insurance.
What Causes Spikes in Car Insurance Rates After a DUI?
While each insurance company is different, and there are no set policies, there are certain effects that are commonplace following a DUI when it comes to your insurance rates. The only extreme punishments beyond this are when you have multiple DUI convictions, which means a higher probability that your car insurance is dropped, along with driving privileges.
Here are instances that could cause a spike in your car insurance, such as if your case involved:
- More than $1,000 in property damage
- A car accident that resulted in the injury or death of another person
- A hit and run
- Excessive speeding, including street racing
- Resisting law enforcement
Why Does a DUI Increase Car Insurance Rates?
Basically, auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania consider drivers with a DUI on their criminal record a greater risk of causing accidents, which will then greatly affect your car insurance rates and premiums. The companies may not even renew your policy at all.
Because a DUI conviction is seen as dangerous to others, these higher premiums may have to be paid for years after the DUI. The insurance company may not see your DUI conviction right away, but it will show up when you renew your policy, which will also terminate any discounts you had for safe driving with your insurance.
What is SR-22 Insurance?
While it is not required in Pennsylvania after a DUI, SR-22 insurance is a certificate that an insurance company must send to the state government to verify that a driver convicted of a DUI still has insurance coverage. It adds to the price of your insurance premiums.
If you are moving to another state that requires SR-22 insurance, you may have to acquire it from Pennsylvania before the move. And if your insurance company does not provide SR-22 insurance and the state you are in requires it, you may have to switch companies.
How to Lower Your Insurance Rates After a DUI
Pennsylvania car insurance companies have a lookback period to check for any DUIs or major traffic violations for three years. This may seem like a long time to pay high insurance rates, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel if you follow traffic laws for a few years.
How to Get Legal Help After a DUI
If you are suffering from the consequences of a DUI conviction in West Chester, which include jail time, fines, and higher car insurance rates, get the legal representation you need from our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys to get you back on your feet and to fight for your future.
Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.