I had enough for paying a lot of money for my SR22 insurance because of my DUI here in Los Angeles. Do I still have options of getting cheaper SR22 insurance for DUI?

Ben

Los Angeles, CA

You may have heard how drivers who were found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) complain about the high costs of SR22 insurance. As a backgrounder, SR22 insurance is required among those who were caught for DUI. Simply put, SR22 insurance is given only to high risk individuals, and being high risk subjects them to high insurance fees. But those who need SR22 insurance for DUI should not worry since they can still get more affordable car insurance policy. Many SR22 insurance companies have been established to give lower SR22 insurance policies.

By definition, SR22 insurance is not just issued to drivers caught for DUI. It can also be issued to those who were caught for over speeding and driving without the required minimum car insurance coverage. However SR22 insurance for DUI is more expensive these days and not all car insurance companies issue DUI SR22 insurance.

However this is not to say that drivers in need of SR22 insurance no longer have options in getting a cheaper one. Specialized SR22 insurance companies have sprouted in recent years and they focus on giving lower SR22 insurance rate. There are also numerous websites that drivers can go to in search of cheap SR22 insurance rate.

Just like in buying a car insurance policy, you are encouraged to request SR22 insurance for DUI quotes first before purchasing one. This would guarantee you that you will get the best rates available in Los Angeles.

A friend of mine had a vehicle accident and thank goodness he didn’t suffer that many injuries. Will his insurer here in Los Angeles increase his vehicle insurance rate because of that single accident? If his vehicle is totaled, how will his insurer pay him?

Lina

Los Angeles, CA

You failed to mention whether or not your friend’s accident was his fault because the basis of the increase of his vehicle insurance rate would depend on that. However, should he file a vehicle insurance claim, there’s no universal law that says the vehicle insurance rate would increase right away. But a number of vehicle insurance carriers would keep a file of a collision claim on the policyholder’s insurance history and increase the vehicle insurance rate.

For insurance claims that are chargeable or regarded as at-fault accident, the increase on the vehicle insurance rate would remain for about three years after the policyholder filed the claim. In the event that the accident was completely the fault of the other driver, there is no reason for a vehicle insurance rate to increase. That would be the same thing that insurance agents will tell you – the vehicle insurance rate won’t go up if you are not the one who caused the accident.

In case that his vehicle is totaled, its value would be based on the Kelley Blue Book that gives depreciated value of used as well as new vehicles. He can get in touch with his vehicle insurance company in Los Angeles to determine the value of his vehicle for insurance purposes.

I have been charged with DUI here in Los Angeles, California. I’m so concerned about the financial consequences that I might have. I just want to know, what do DUI lawyers charge and will my insurance rate go up?

Martina

Los Angeles, CA

Most people charged with DUI in Los Angeles, California would be concerned about the possible penalties including fines, lawyer charges and insurance rates. The fees for DUI lawyers actually vary. There are a lot of factors to consider like the seriousness of the charge and the number of DUI offenses the defendant has committed. There are some DUI lawyers who charge as little as $350. Most good Los Angeles DUI lawyers charge a minimum of $1000 because of the amount of time involved in reviewing the case and making sure you get the right result and also because of the risk of having to go back multiple times.

Regarding your insurance rates, it would most likely go up. A DUI conviction is reported on your driving record. Your rates will almost certainly go up if your insurance company finds out. In some cases, your insurance company might drop you as a customer and you may have to enter the assigned risk pool, where rates are dramatically higher. It can also be possible that your insurance company would not find out about your DUI charge, and then your rates should not go up.