Getting charged with driving below the influence will hurt your wallet in more ways than 1. Along with fines and court costs, your vehicle insurance premium will almost certainly spike when your driver’s license is reinstated, which could take at least numerous months based on where you reside and the nature of the offense.


According to a recent NerdWallet study, month-to-month premiums go up by an average of 75.3% after a DUI. Though none of this spells good news for finding low cost vehicle insurance, here’s what you can do to make the ideal out of a negative predicament.


Don’t delay your search for new auto insurance coverage


To get your driver’s license restored, most states will demand your insurer to give your neighborhood DMV with a SR-22 form proving you have automobile insurance coverage. This signifies you will have to inform your insurer about your DUI, at which point they’ll either cancel your policy or enhance your premium.


If you reside in a state exactly where filing SR-22 forms isn’t mandatory, your insurer will pull your driving record when your automobile insurance policy expires to decide whether or not to renew your policy. Upon seeing your DUI, they may choose to drop you altogether. If not, they’ll nearly definitely improve your premium, as you will now be regarded as a high-threat driver.


The threat of having your policy canceled indicates you must appear for new vehicle insurance coverage right away after your DUI. Though it will be hard to uncover cheap automobile insurance coverage, at least you will have bought oneself some time to examine prices from numerous competitors. This will aid you get a much better thought of the price of post-DUI coverage.


Use comparison tools


Even though it will be up to you to locate the least expensive auto insurance coverage, several tools can aid you along the way. Aspects such as where you reside, your age and your credit score influence the quantity of your premium, so take benefit of this customized assist.


NerdWallet’s car insurance coverage comparison tool can give you a far better thought of the premiums you can count on. As you sort through your options, commence crossing out the most costly gives prior to compiling a list of some of the a lot more cost-effective ones.


Gathering quotes from competitors will support you choose whether to stick with your original insurer, supplied they haven’t dropped you, or to seek cheaper solutions.


The takeaway


Obtaining back on your feet right after a DUI will entail managing the accompanying financial repercussions, which could consist of locating new auto insurance coverage. Even though you will nearly surely have to spend much more, you can keep away from paying much more than you absolutely have to by researching your auto insurance choices as early as possible and by employing on the web comparison tools to see your options.