How Will DUI Affect Car Insurance in California

Reader’s Question:

My friend is convicted of DUI in California. How will this affect his insurance coverage? Can the company just cancel

this or do they have to go to a certain procedure?

Kate

Lancaster, CA

Although guidelines of insurance companies and the laws of the state differ, an insurance provider can cancel the policy if the person is convicted for a DUI. The company can terminate the policy once the term ended or cancel the insurance mid-term. The insurance provider should give you a notice on the policy cancellation with an explanation of why the policy was cancelled. You should look for another insurance company in this case. Some states do not allow policy cancellation in the middle of the term even though the person is convicted for a DUI. You may contact the California Insurance Regulatory body in to find out if they allow this.

The policy may remain intact for a short period. Once the insurance company sees this DUI conviction, you will have the option to renew the policy at a high “at-risk” rate because this is considered as a serious offense. After you are convicted for DUI, an SR-22 will be required. You may need to look for another insurance provider in case your friend’s current insurance provider does not provide this insurance certificate even though your friend’s policy were nor cancelled.

Most of the time, DUI conviction increases the car insurance rates.The period where premiums are increased depends upon the state’s laws and the insurance company’s guideline.