A DUI conviction in Arizona doesn’t just come with legal consequences—it can dramatically increase your car insurance premiums and strain your finances.
Attorney Arja Shah of Shah Law Firm, with nearly 20 years of experience and over 3,000 successful cases, has built a reputation for helping clients overcome these challenges with expert DUI defense.
Insurance companies label drivers with a DUI as high-risk, often leading to skyrocketing rates or canceled policies. Attorney Shah works diligently to reduce charges, fight for case dismissals, or negotiate alternative outcomes that limit the long-term effects on your driving record and insurance costs.
This article will cover the following subtopics:
- Why Does a DUI Conviction Increase Car Insurance Premiums?
- How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Car Insurance?
- Can You Find Affordable Insurance After a DUI?
- What is an SR-22, and Why is It Required After a DUI?
- How Can a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Help Reduce Insurance Impacts?
- Top 5 FAQs About How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Car Insurance
- Contact DUI Defense Attorney Arja Shah
Why Does a DUI Conviction Increase Car Insurance Premiums?
A DUI conviction leads to higher car insurance premiums because insurers view individuals with a DUI as high-risk drivers, statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired drivers account for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States annually.
In Arizona, a DUI conviction remains on your driving record for seven years
During this period, insurers assess your risk based on this record, often resulting in a premium increase of 50% to 80%—or even higher in some cases. For example, drivers with a DUI pay an average of $1,470 more annually for car insurance compared to those with clean records.
The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) may also require you to file an SR-22 form after a DUI conviction. This certificate confirms you meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements and is typically required for three years.
Filing an SR-22 flags you as a high-risk driver to insurers, further contributing to higher premiums.
Some insurance companies may even cancel your policy upon learning of the SR-22 requirement, forcing you to seek coverage from specialized high-risk insurers.
How Long Does a DUI Affect Your Car Insurance?
In Arizona, the length of time a DUI affects your car insurance depends on several factors, including how long it remains on your driving record. For most drivers, a DUI impacts insurance rates for seven years.
However, some insurance companies may continue to consider your DUI history beyond this period when calculating premiums.
Even after the conviction ages off your record, you may still face challenges rebuilding trust with insurance providers. Drivers with multiple DUIs or a history of high-risk behavior could see extended premium increases or difficulty securing coverage at standard rates.
Can You Find Affordable Insurance After a DUI?
While finding affordable insurance post-DUI can be challenging, it’s not impossible. Arizona drivers can try these tips to lower their insurance costs:
- Shop Around for Quotes: Not all insurers treat DUI convictions the same way. Comparing quotes from different providers can help you find a competitive rate.
- Enroll in Defensive Driving Courses: Completing a defensive driving program can demonstrate your commitment to safer driving and may qualify you for discounts.
- Maintain a Clean Record Post-DUI: Avoiding further traffic violations or accidents can gradually improve your insurance rating over time.
- Consider a High-Risk Insurance Provider: Some companies specialize in covering high-risk drivers, offering policies tailored to individuals with DUI convictions.
What is an SR-22, and Why is It Required After a DUI?
An SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) that certifies you meet the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.
It is often required for drivers convicted of a DUI to reinstate their driving privileges.
Filing an SR-22 is not a type of insurance but rather an additional administrative step. It comes with fees and typically results in higher premiums. Arizona law mandates an SR-22 for at least three years following a DUI conviction, meaning drivers must maintain continuous insurance coverage during this period. Failure to do so could result in license suspension or additional penalties.
How Can a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Help Reduce Insurance Impacts?
Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer like Arja Shah can significantly impact the outcomes of your case and its subsequent effect on your car insurance. Attorney Shah works to challenge the evidence against you, negotiate reduced charges, or achieve case dismissals when possible. Lesser charges or a dismissal may prevent a DUI conviction from appearing on your record, protecting you from the associated insurance rate hikes.
Additionally, Shah Law Firm offers guidance on completing court-ordered requirements, such as defensive driving courses or alcohol education programs, which may positively influence insurance considerations.
Top 5 FAQs About How a DUI Conviction Affects Your Car Insurance
① How much will my car insurance increase after a DUI? Premiums often increase by 50% to 80%, depending on your insurer and driving history.
② Can my insurance company cancel my policy after a DUI?
Yes, Arizona law allows insurers to cancel or non-renew policies for high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs.
③ How long do I need to carry an SR-22 after a DUI in Arizona?
An SR-22 is required for three years following a DUI conviction, though this period may vary based on your specific case.
④ Will my rates go back to normal after the DUI is no longer on my record?
While rates may decrease after the conviction ages off your record, insurers may still factor in your DUI history when determining rates.
⑤ Can I avoid increased insurance rates with a DUI conviction?
It is very difficult to avoid increased insurance rates after a DUI conviction because insurers automatically classify individuals with a DUI as high-risk. However, working with an experienced DUI lawyer, can improve your chances of reducing or dismissing charges. If your DUI is reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely, it may not appear on your driving record, potentially preventing premium increases. Without a conviction, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) would not require an SR-22 form, which also helps avoid rate hikes.
Contact DUI Defense Attorney Arja Shah
If you’re facing a DUI charge, don’t let it define your future. Contact Shah Law Firm today at (602) 560-7408 to learn how Attorney Shah can help you fight your case and secure the best possible outcome.
