DUI and SR-22 Insurance: What You Need to Know in Arizona
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have severe consequences, not just for your driving record, but also for your car insurance in Arizona. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in the state, you need to understand the implications it has on your insurance and the requirement of obtaining an SR-22 insurance.
Car insurance in AZ is mandatory for all drivers, and the penalties for driving without it are substantial. However, if you have a DUI conviction, obtaining auto insurance becomes more challenging. Insurance providers view drivers with DUI convictions as high-risk individuals, likely to engage in risky behavior on the road, and therefore, they will increase the premiums.
One of the requirements to get your driving privileges reinstated after a DUI conviction is to obtain an SR-22 insurance policy. An SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy but a certificate that confirms you meet the state’s minimum liability requirements.
To obtain an SR-22 insurance in Arizona, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider and inform them that you need to file an SR-22. If your current insurance company doesn’t offer this type of coverage, you might have to find another provider who specializes in high-risk insurance.
Once you’ve found an insurance company that offers SR-22 policies, you’ll need to purchase the minimum liability coverage required by the state. In Arizona, this includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It’s important to note that SR-22 insurance typically comes with higher premiums than regular car insurance. Expect your rates to increase significantly due to the DUI conviction. The duration of the SR-22 requirement may vary depending on the severity of your offense and previous convictions.
It’s crucial to maintain your SR-22 insurance for the entire mandated period without any lapses. If your insurance policy cancels or lapses during this time, your insurance provider is legally obligated to notify the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This could result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
Once the mandated SR-22 period is over, you can start looking for regular car insurance again. However, it’s important to remember that the DUI conviction will still affect your insurance rates, even after the requirement is fulfilled. It may take several years for your rates to decrease, so it’s vital to drive responsibly and maintain a clean driving record.
In conclusion, if you have been convicted of a DUI in Arizona, it is essential to understand the impact it will have on your car insurance. You will be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance, which comes with higher premiums. Make sure to comply with the SR-22 requirements and maintain continuous coverage to avoid any further legal consequences. Additionally, driving responsibly and maintaining a clean driving record will help to gradually reduce your insurance rates over time.
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