How a DUI Conviction in Virginia Affects Your Car Insurance Rates

How a DUI Conviction in Virginia Affects Your Car Insurance Rates

A DUI conviction will lead to many consequences, including how it affects your car insurance rates. In addition to serious penalties like jail time, high fines, driver’s license suspension, and points on your license, there are other financial burdens as well. One of the biggest unexpected costs is the steep rise in your car insurance costs after a Virginia DUI.

Our Manassas criminal defense lawyers at Battlefield Law Group PLLC work diligently to defend your case and protect your rights. Here, we explain the consequences of a DUI conviction on your car insurance costs.

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Increased Insurance Rates After a Virginia DUI Conviction

Car insurance companies consider many factors when determining how much your rate should be. Like other types of incidents like serious car accidents or traffic violations, a criminal DUI conviction can have a significant impact on the cost you will pay. Insurers generally consider drunk driving convictions as a sign that you are a high risk. This typically translates to much more expensive insurance rates if you want to continue driving on Virginia roads.

In fact, many insurers will cancel or fail to renew your coverage if you are convicted. This means that you will be uninsured until you get new insurance from another company willing to write a policy for you. It is illegal to drive in Virginia without car insurance, so this often means you are forced to pay these higher rates so you can still travel, get to work, and more.

Proof of Financial Responsibility

Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, any driver convicted of a DUI is required to show proof of financial responsibility before they may have their driving privileges restored. Most drivers face some level of suspension from a DUI, and courts will not restore your rights to drive until after you prove you have new insurance coverage.

Companies that provide this type of policy typically charge a much higher premium than they do for other drivers without a DUI conviction. Rates may be anywhere from 50% to 100% higher on average from your previous rate. This can be quite a substantial financial burden on you.

FR-44 Certification Requirements

 Virginia Code § 46.2-316 requires that any driver convicted of a DUI obtain an FR-44 certification to restore their driving privileges. This is a particular certification from your insurance company that you meet higher coverage limits exceeding the standard requirements. 

FR-44 certification requires you to show that you have policy minimums of at least:

  • Death or bodily injury of one person: $50,000
  • Death or bodily injury of two or more persons: $100,000
  • Property damage: $40,000

This is double the minimum coverage amount for drivers without a DUI on their record. You will need to maintain FR-44 compliant coverage for three to four years following a DUI, provided there are no additional convictions or issues. The insurance company will notify the DMV if the coverage is dropped at any time. This results in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license if this occurs.

Get Help with Your DUI Charges 

If you face Virginia DUI charges, you need assistance from a qualified DUI defense attorney. Your attorney helps protect all of your rights and explains the potential consequences of a DUI conviction. From jail time to higher car insurance premiums, there are various challenges you will face.

At Battlefield Law Group PLLC, our DUI/DWI defense attorneys know how to protect your rights. We create a customized legal defense strategy for every client. We want to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.