Can I get in trouble for not telling my insurance about a DUI? Yes, you could get into trouble. While most states don’t specifically require you to report a DUI conviction to your insurance provider, it’s generally a good idea to do so. Being upfront with your insurer can help prevent complications in the future.
If you keep a DUI secret from your insurance company and they find out later, they might refuse to pay any claims related to your policy. Additionally, they could accuse you of insurance fraud, leading to serious legal consequences.
Your auto insurance company will likely discover your DUI when it’s time to renew your policy. During renewal, they usually check your driving record or contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar agency. It means that if you’ve been convicted of a DUI, it will likely come to light.
A review of your driving history will typically reveal any DUIs, so it’s better to be honest from the start to avoid potential issues down the road.
Should You Let Your Auto Insurance Know About a DUI?
Tell your insurer if you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence.
No law requires you to report a DUI conviction to your auto insurance company, and the DMV, police, or court usually won’t notify them either.
However, if your insurance company finds out about a DUI you didn’t disclose, they could:
- Deny any future claims, or
- Accuse you of insurance fraud.
If you’re contesting it in court, you don’t need to inform your insurer about a DUI arrest or charge. If you are acquitted, there’s no need to report it. But if you are convicted of a DUI, it’s best to inform your insurance company.
Will an Insurance Company Learn About a DUI?
Yes, they might. Your insurance company could find out about a DUI when you renew your auto insurance policy.
During renewal, your insurer may check your driving history or get a report from the DMV. If they do, they will likely discover any DUI convictions. Insurance companies usually check your driving record for the last three to five years, known as the “lookback period.” If your DUI falls within this timeframe, there’s a good chance your insurance company will find out.
Additionally, many states require proof of insurance coverage, like an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, to reinstate your driver’s license. If you ask your insurer for this proof, they will see your DUI.
Will Your Car Insurance Be Canceled After a DUI?
An insurance company cannot cancel your policy solely because of a DUI. However, if they discover a DUI, they might decide not to renew your policy when it’s up for renewal. In practice, insurers generally won’t cancel your coverage if you:
- Were convicted of a first-time DUI, and
- Have a mostly clean driving record.
However, they might remove any “good driver discounts” you had, which could increase your rates.
On the other hand, your insurance company is more likely to cancel your policy if you:
- Have multiple DUI convictions and
- Are considered a high-risk driver.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to review your options and consider shopping around for different insurance providers. Some companies offer better rates or coverage, depending on your driving history.
Will Your Car Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI?
Yes, they usually will. Your insurance rates typically increase when you renew your policy after getting a DUI. A DUI makes you a “high-risk driver,” which leads to higher premiums, even if it’s your first conviction. However, your insurance company will also consider other factors when setting your rates. These include you:
- Driving history (like past traffic violations or license suspensions)
- Previous car accidents
- Criminal record (including both misdemeanors and felonies)
- Credit score
You can shop around for better rates if your insurance rates are too high after a DUI. For example, if your current insurer is Allstate, you might find a lower rate with another company like State Farm.