A DUI conviction in Virginia brings several serious consequences. Besides possible jail time and criminal fines, the Virginia DMV will suspend your driver’s license and require several steps to reinstate it. Additionally, you will likely face higher car insurance rates for years.
Avoiding a DUI conviction can save you a lot of time and money. If you are facing a DUI in Virginia, contact The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates as soon as possible. Our experienced Virginia DUI attorneys can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life.
How a DUI Affects Your Car Insurance in Virginia
Car insurance companies view drunk driving convictions as high-risk and will raise a driver’s rates, refuse to provide coverage, or not renew the driver’s policy. In some cases, you may have to find a new insurance provider if your current one drops you after a DUI.
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated must show proof of financial responsibility before their driving privileges can be restored. This requirement involves higher coverage limits than for other drivers, and insurance companies typically charge premiums 50% to 100% higher than your previous rates, depending on the insurer and case details. It’s best to get quotes from different companies.
If you’re facing a DUI in Virginia, promptly addressing the legal and financial impacts is essential. Reach out to The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of a DUI charge and work towards minimizing the consequences.
Getting Car Insurance After a DUI
If your current car insurance company cancels your policy due to a DUI, you’ll likely need to find a new insurer to reinstate your license. Many major insurance providers won’t offer coverage after a DUI, DUI-related accident, or similar severe alcohol or drug-related driving offense.
Drivers in this situation may need to seek out insurers who specialize in policies for DUI convictions or opt for high-risk insurance policies. These typically require an FR-44 certificate showing financial responsibility to secure coverage.
FR-44 Certification in Virginia
An FR-44 certificate shows financial responsibility for drivers convicted of offenses like DUI/DWI under Virginia law. Driving privileges are required to be reinstated after such convictions. This certificate confirms that the driver has specific insurance coverage limits:
- $50,000 to cover injuries or death of one person
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons
- $40,000 for property damage
These coverage limits exceed the standard requirements for drivers without DUI convictions in Virginia (typically 25/50/20). Drivers must maintain FR-44 coverage for three to four years following a DUI conviction. The certification period starts from the end of the driver’s license revocation.
If the insurer drops or cancels FR-44 coverage, it must notify the DMV using Form FR-46. The DMV will suspend the driver’s license until FR-44 coverage is reinstated.
Do I Need FR-44 Insurance if I Don’t Have a Car in Virginia?
If you don’t own a car in Virginia but have a driver’s license and are convicted of a DUI, you may still need FR-44 insurance. This specialized insurance is required to reinstate your driving privileges after such convictions, regardless of car ownership. If your FR-44 coverage lapses, the Virginia DMV will suspend your license until you obtain new coverage and pay a reinstatement fee. It’s essential to maintain continuous FR-44 insurance to avoid interruptions in your driving privileges.
How Long Does a DUI Impact My Insurance in Virginia?
Following a DUI in Virginia, drivers typically require an FR-44 certificate for three to four years to reinstate their license. A DUI remains on a driver’s Virginia DMV record for up to eleven years despite this period. Insurance providers may continue to quote higher rates due to a past DUI, even if it happened several years ago. It could take nearly a decade before car insurance companies consider offering regular insurance rates or “safe driver” discounts again, depending on the driver’s record and insurance policies. These timelines underscore the long-term financial implications of a DUI conviction on insurance premiums in Virginia.
Fight Insurance Rate Hikes After a DUI in Virginia
One of the most significant financial consequences of a DUI conviction in Virginia is the increased cost of insurance. Before making any decisions, you must fully understand your rights and options for challenging DUI charges in Virginia. If you’ve been arrested for a drug or alcohol-related DUI, consulting with an experienced attorney from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates can provide insights on fighting against insurance rate increases. Contact us at (703) 988-3711 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
