Consequences of a Second DUI: SR-22 Insurance
As a DUI defense attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, Arja has seen many cases where individuals have faced the consequences of a second DUI charge.
One of the most common questions we receive from clients is what happens to their SR-22 insurance after a second DUI conviction.
The answer is not straightforward, as the requirements for SR-22 insurance can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the state in which it occurred.
In Arizona, an SR-22 certificate of insurance is a financial responsibility required for individuals convicted of a DUI. This certificate serves as proof that you have the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law.
If you are convicted of a second DUI, the requirements for your SR-22 insurance will change, and it is important to understand the implications of these changes.
At the Shaw Law Firm, we understand how confusing and overwhelming the legal process can be, especially when it comes to insurance conditions after a DUI. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what happens to your SR-22 insurance if you are convicted of a second DUI in Arizona.
We will cover the following topics:
- What is SR-22 insurance coverage, and how does it work?
- What are the insurance requirements for a second DUI in Arizona?
- What are Insurance Companies Average Costs of SR-22 Insurance After a DUI in Arizona?
- Are there Exceptions to Need SR-22 Insurance in Arizona?
- Does SR22 Insurance Apply to Arizona Drivers with a CDL or Company Vehicle?
By the end of this article, you will better understand the insurance conditions you may face after a second DUI conviction in Arizona and how an attorney can help you navigate this complex legal process.
What is SR-22 Insurance Coverage and How Does it Work?
SR-22 insurance is a type of car insurance required in many states, including Arizona, for individuals convicted of certain traffic offenses, especially a drunk driving conviction.
When you file an SR-22, you provide proof to the state that you have the minimum liability insurance required by law.
Here are some important things to understand about SR-22 insurance:
- Arizona insurance companies issue SR-22 certificates to individuals required to carry them by the state. Your insurance provider will file the certificate with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
- The fee for SR-22 insurance can vary depending on the state and your driving record. In the state of Arizona, the average cost of SR-22 insurance is around $500-700 per year, according to moneygeek.com, with the cheapest SR-22 rates being below $300*. These fees are in addition to the cost of your regular car insurance premiums.
- If you cancel or allow your insurance to lapse, your insurance provider is required to notify the DMV. This can result in a suspension of your driving privileges and can make it more difficult and expensive to reinstate your license.
Remember, SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance policy but rather a certificate that verifies that you have the required coverage.
If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance as a result of a DUI conviction, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney to ensure you meet the requirements for reinstatement and maintain the necessary insurance policies to avoid driving without insurance.
What are the Insurance Requirements for a Second DUI in Arizona?
A second DUI will require that you maintain a policy for three years.
In addition to the longer period of time, individuals may also be obligated to carry higher levels of liability insurance, which can increase the cost of insurance premiums.
Here are some key things to understand about the insurance conditions for a second DUI in Arizona:
- If you are convicted of a second DUI in Arizona, you will be required to file an SR-22 certificate with the state’s DMV for a period of three years.
- The price of SR-22 insurance can vary depending on the insurance provider and your driving record, but it is generally more expensive than standard auto insurance. On average, the cost of SR-22 insurance in Arizona is around $500 per year, in addition to the cost of your regular car insurance premiums.
- In addition to the SR-22 requirement, you may also need to carry higher levels of liability coverage, which can increase the cost of your insurance premiums.
It’s important to note that driving without insurance after a second drunk driving conviction in Arizona can result in serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Working with an experienced attorney can help you understand the insurance requirements for reinstatement and ensure that you meet these requirements to avoid further legal trouble.
In summary, individuals convicted of a second DUI in Arizona are mandated to carry SR-22 insurance for a period of three years, as well as potentially higher levels of liability insurance coverage.
The cost of SR-22 insurance can be more expensive than standard auto insurance, and failing to maintain the necessary insurance policies can result in serious consequences.
Because of this, we always recommend working with an attorney to understand and meet the insurance requirements for reinstatement after a second DUI conviction.
What are Insurance Companies Average Costs of SR-22 Insurance After a DUI in Arizona?
The cost of Arizona SR-22 insurance varies depending on several factors, including the individual’s driving record, age, and the severity of the DUI offense.
On average, SR-22 insurance in Arizona costs between $300 and $800 per year.
However, the cost can be much higher for individuals with multiple DUI offenses.
For example, John is a 35-year-old with a clean driving record who was charged with a first-time DUI offense. He can expect to pay an average of $300 annually for SR-22 insurance. Sarah, a 45-year-old with a previous DUI conviction, can expect to pay an average of $500 per year for SR-22 insurance. Mark, a 25-year-old with two previous DUI convictions, can expect to pay an average of $1,000 yearly for SR-22 insurance.
Are there Exceptions to Need SR-22 Insurance in Arizona?
In Arizona, SR-22 insurance is required for all DUI criminal convictions.
However, there is an exception to this rule regarding an automatic 15-day MVD implied consent violation. In this case, SR22 insurance is not required.
It’s important to note that this exception applies only to the automatic 15-day MVD implied consent violation and not to other DUI charges.
As such, it’s crucial to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney to understand your case’s specific circumstances and determine whether you are required to carry SR-22 insurance.
If you are facing DUI charges in Arizona, it’s also important to consult with an attorney before accepting an automatic MVD suspension from AZ MVD.
While this suspension may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have serious implications for your driving privileges and insurance coverage.
A skilled DUI defense attorney can help you understand your options and work to protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Another scenario in which a person may be excused from the mandatory SR-22 insurance requirement is if they move out of state.
While SR-22 insurance is mandatory in Arizona, it may not be required in other states.
If a person moves to a state where SR-22 insurance is not required, they may no longer be required to carry this type of insurance. In this case, however, it’s important to note that if the person moves back to Arizona, they will likely be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate their driving privileges.
Does SR22 Insurance Apply to Arizona Drivers with a CDL or Company Vehicle?
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Arizona, you may wonder if the SR-22 insurance requirement applies to you.
The answer is yes – all drivers convicted of driving drunk, including those with a CDL, must file an SR-22 certificate to provide proof of insurance in Arizona.
It’s important to note that if you have a past DUI conviction and wish to obtain a CDL, you must have completed the original license suspension before applying for your commercial license.
A DUI conviction in any state will be shared with Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division.
Failing to include this information on your application can result in rejection, regardless of how long ago your conviction was.
If a CDL holder is convicted of a DUI, the penalties are much more severe than for non-commercial drivers. In addition to a one-year CDL suspension, the driver’s normal license will also be suspended for 30 to 90 days, and other requirements like mandatory alcohol counseling will be imposed.
Furthermore, the threshold for intoxication for CDL holders is much more restrictive – a BAC level of .04 is considered intoxication, compared to .08 for non-commercial drivers.
A second DUI conviction will result in a lifetime CDL suspension, which can significantly impact the driver’s career prospects.
In Conclusion
Understanding the requirements and regulations surrounding SR-22 insurance can be a complex and confusing process.
However, it is essential to comply with these requirements to avoid further legal and financial consequences.
If you have questions or concerns about your SR-22 insurance requirements after a DUI conviction, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced DUI attorney.
At the Shah Law Firm, we understand the stress and anxiety that can come with a DUI conviction and the necessary steps to reinstate driving privileges.
Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience helping clients navigate the complexities of SR-22 insurance and can provide expert guidance and representation to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you need assistance with an Arizona SR-22 insurance requirement or have questions regarding a DUI conviction, contact the Shah Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Get Help From a DUI Defense Attorney
If you were charged with a DUI in Arizona, you should contact an experienced defense lawyer at the Shah Law Firm.
DUI defense attorney Arja Shah has many years of experience defending those charged with a DUI and has successfully represented over 3,000 clients.
Call to schedule a free consultation at (602) 560-7408 to get to work and defend your rights immediately!
