Sourcing Auto Insurance With A DUI On Your Record

If you have been charged and convicted of a DUI, dealing with all of the ramifications and penalties that this entails can be stressful. If your license has been restored or is still intact, you might find that your auto insurance options are more limited than before. Here are three tips to keep in mind when sourcing auto insurance after a DUI offense.

1. Do Your Homework

Depending on what state you are in and what options are available, don't feel tied to your current insurance company. Be sure to review quotes online and by phone. Don't be embarrassed by your offense. Most insurance agents have heard it all and will want to work with you to find a good quote that is fair under the circumstances. Some insurers will try their best to offer quotes as reasonable as possible for first-time offenders. You can even bring this back to your original agent and see if they can lower their quote as well.

2. Don't Expect Any Miracles

Even though you might feel as if you have paid your dues, your DUI might haunt you for a while when it comes to insurance premiums. Try to bundle this with other insurance needs such as homeowner's or renter's insurance, or work out a monthly payment option instead of a yearly or by-yearly lump sum. A DUI offense will stay on your driving record for at least three years, so be patient with the process and try to understand that there aren't any miracle shortcuts financially.

3. Be Upfront About Your Offense

There isn't any way that you will be able to keep your DUI from insurance companies, so get this out in the open when seeking new insurance quotes. Your DUI citation is on your driving record and this information is handed over to insurance agents. Many states require that you have a notification issued through your insurance provider in conjunction with the DMV regarding insurance policies that may be carrying high risk as well.

Going through the process of a DUI conviction can take a toll on an individual both emotionally and financially. While you might be out of the woods with initial penalties stemming from your DUI, you may have to hang on for a few years in order to see a significant drop in your insurance premiums. The best thing that you can do is be a good driver moving forward and show your insurance agency that you have learned your lesson for the future.

For auto insurance, contact a company such as Oliveira Gilbert C Insurance Agency Inc.