DUI and Auto Insurance
DUI and Auto Insurance
A conviction for DUI may cause many serious consequences in your life, including losing your freedom, your driver’s license, difficult probation, and the financial burden in multiple areas of your life; potentially for years to come. All of these issues are important to consider; however, an area most people do not realize will be affected by a DUI in Oklahoma is car insurance.
It is important to know your rights and retain an Oklahoma DUI Defense Attorney if you or a loved one is charged with DUI, APC, DWI, or Aggravated DUI in Oklahoma. When arrested for DUI or facing criminal charges for DUI, my clients are often focused on the immediate fear of jail time. Understandably, clients facing DUI charges focus on the immediate consequences of a DUI: being arrested; jail or prison time; the costs of court fees, fines, and attorney fees; as well as the potential for losing their driver’s license. Unfortunately, the issues to consider do not stop there. Car insurance is an often overlooked; however, important issue to consider.
Will my Automobile Insurance change after a DUI?
Potentially yes, your auto insurance may be affected by a DUI. Losing your driving privileges through an administrative suspension by DPS or a conviction in your criminal case will affect your automobile insurance.
You will need to obtain liability insurance after your driver’s license is reinstated. Some states require SR-22 insurance after a DUI. Fortunately, Oklahoma does not require SR-22 insurance after a DUI. However, if you move to Oklahoma after a DUI you will still have to abide by the conditions of your SR-22 insurance requirements from the other state, which usually requires three years of coverage.
How can you avoid higher insurance premiums after DUI?
Your insurance premium will not increase based on a DUI, if you are not convicted of DUI. Being charged with a DUI in Oklahoma does not mean you are convicted of DUI. Prior to being convicted, the government must prove you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol above the legal blood alcohol content: .08% for adults or .00% for anyone under 21 years of age. In order for a conviction to stand, the arresting officer must have followed the protocols for DUI stops and DUI testing, the DUI breath or blood alcohol test must be reliable and have been administered correctly.
Your insurance premium will not increase based on your driving privileges, unless your license is suspended. The Department of Public Safety will seek to suspend your driving privileges through an administrative hearing procedure. You should request an administrative hearing within 15 days of your arrest or of receiving notice that your blood alcohol test results are in to protect your driving privilege and protect your insurance from increasing.
Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma
Contact Cannon & Associates for a free confidential consultation and representation in your DUI or APC defense. You have the right to the presumption of innocence. Our firm is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for every client and will use our experience and respected reputation to do everything possible to reach the best possible outcome in your DUI or APC case. A conviction for DUI or APC may have long lasting effects on your insurance and other areas of your life. Contact Cannon & Associates today if you have been charged with DUI, APC, Aggravated DUI, DWI, or DUI under 21 in Oklahoma.