You can face a number of serious penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in California. A criminal conviction can lead to:
- Fines
- Jail time
- License restrictions
A DUI can also affect your life insurance policy in California. Learn more about the impact of a DUI on your insurance with the Simmrin Law Group. You can focus on handling a DUI charge before a conviction by calling us at (310) 896-2723.
Your Life Insurance Rates Can Increase After a DUI
Many life insurance companies will increase your rates if you are convicted of a DUI. Your rates can remain increased for up to 10 years after a DUI conviction, though they may begin to drop again after five years.
Insurance companies justify higher rates after a DUI conviction by arguing that one conviction:
- Increases the chances of dying in an alcohol-related collision
- Might indicate issues with substance abuse
- Indicates that a driver engages in risky behavior
The above factors encourage life insurance companies to charge you higher prices after you are convicted of a DUI in California.
Denial of Life Insurance and DUI Convictions in California
You should be aware that some life insurance companies will not insure you at all after a DUI conviction. You are most likely to be denied life insurance if you apply within the first year after your DUI arrest. However, insurance companies may refuse to offer you a policy at any time.
Your health insurance is less likely to be seriously impacted by a DUI conviction. However, health insurance rates can increase each time you need medical treatment. If you are injured in accidents caused by a DUI, or if you need alcohol treatment, it can increase your health insurance premiums.
Auto Insurance Rates and DUIs in California
Thus far, we have discussed health insurance and life insurance increases after a DUI conviction in California. Your auto insurance premiums are also likely to rise if you are convicted on any DUI charges. Auto insurance rates can increase for up to ten years after a DUI.
Note that some auto insurance companies will drop your coverage after a DUI. Some companies will not insure drivers with prior DUI convictions. Even companies that continue to offer insurance may double or triple the rates you must pay.
Learn more about auto insurance and DUI charges by speaking with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. Call (310) 896-2723 to get the information you need after a DUI arrest.
Informing an Insurance Company About a DUI
Some drivers attempt to keep their insurance rates low by trying to avoid telling their insurance company about a DUI conviction. You may not be legally required to tell your life or health insurance company about a DUI. However, the company will find out when it comes time to renew your policy. At this point, they can review your:
- Criminal record
- Record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Once your insurance company finds out about a DUI conviction, they can increase your premium or drop your policy completely. For this reason, it’s often in your best interest to inform the company ahead of time about the charges, so you can decide if you need to switch to a new company or not, before losing your insurance.
Note that California doesn’t allow car insurance companies to drop your policy or increase your rates during a policy term. This means you often have some time to make decisions about your insurance policy after a DUI conviction.
Build a Defense to a DUI Charge in California
As you can see, a DUI conviction can severely impact your insurance policies. You can work to keep your insurance premiums low by contacting a DUI lawyer as soon as you are arrested. Building a defense to DUI charges quickly can improve your odds of successfully resolving your case.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can work to get your charges reduced to an acceptable level. We may also be able to get your DUI charges dismissed in some cases. Our lawyers are also prepared to represent you in court.
Get Help Before a DUI Affects Your Health or Life Insurance
A DUI conviction will affect your life, health, and auto insurance in most cases. Take steps to resolve a DUI charge before you are convicted by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Let us focus on your individual needs now. Reach us by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles are prepared to offer you a FREE consultation today.