How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance Rates in Georgia?

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Dealing with a DUI can be incredibly difficult for any individual or family. The consequences can add up, and without legal help, you may find yourself financially strained as a result. But even in the aftermath of a DUI, you have options.

Getting a DUI could make it harder to drive legally, as your car insurance rates will be impacted. Contact a DUI defense attorney in Carrollton, GA, at Moffitt Law, LLC, to help minimize a DUI charge’s effects on your freedom and finances.

How Does a DUI Affect Insurance Premiums?

Typically, car insurance goes up after a DUI in any given case by at least 80% in Georgia, which is significant.

This means that if you currently have a $2,000 annual premium, a DUI may push your annual rate up to $3,600 or more following the incident. Needless to say, paying for car insurance with a DUI on your record gets much more painful, especially when you add up the total over several years.

Keep in mind that insurance companies also have the legal right to revoke a policy after a DUI. But if you are able to keep your coverage, your insurance company will still file an SR-22 form with the state (which verifies to them that you have the minimum insurance coverage required). This form will be in place for three years.

After this duration, you have to request that it be removed from your insurance. This removal may or may not reduce your premium.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Insurance Rates in Georgia?

As stated, DUIs can affect your rates for at least three years, but there are plenty of insurance companies that will determine your premiums based on data from much further back than that. Three to five years is somewhat typical, but because of Georgia’s look-back period, your premium may stay high for as many as ten years.

Beyond the one-time fees and potential jail time, these years of paying higher premiums can end up being the worst financial consequence of a DUI. For example, if your rate increase is $1,600 annually (like in the above example), that’s a total of $8,000 extra over five years (or $16,000 over ten years).

Can I Avoid DUI Penalties?

While the short answer is “yes,” and it is possible to avoid or reduce these penalties, it can be difficult alone. This is where partnering with an experienced defense attorney becomes vital.

If you are convicted of a DUI offense, it can be very difficult to find a way to protect (or “restrict”) your record (though filing an appeal is possible). A defense attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of making a case and negotiating the best possible result, whether in pretrial or after a conviction.

Moffitt Law Is Here To Help

Our DUI defense lawyers are here to serve you. If you’re dealing with a DUI conviction in Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact us at Moffitt Law today for a free consultation. We’ve helped people like you overcome legal difficulties.

FAQs About DUIs and Auto Insurance

What exactly is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is simply a form that confirms your insurance coverage (and that it meets the legal minimum requirements) to the state of Georgia. Your insurance company will submit the form on your behalf after your DUI, and it will need to be in place for three years.

Can I keep my DUI off my record?

Yes, with experienced attorneys like ours on your side, you can absolutely keep your DUI off of your official record in order to avoid penalties and maintain affordable car insurance. Contact us today to get the experienced legal help you need.

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