When it comes to being charged with a DWI, there are many questions regarding what happens after you end up with a DWI conviction. Those questions can range from a DWI affecting your child custody, to how a DWI affects your professional licenses. One question is how DWI may affect your car insurance rate. Does a DWI conviction really affect your car insurance rate?
DWI Convictions & Insurance
The short answer is yes. A DWI conviction, much like a speeding ticket, collision, or other traffic infraction, can increase your insurance rate for up to three years. On average, New Hampshire DWI drivers can see a 61% increase in their car insurance rates. Sometimes, even, a NH driver convicted of a DWI can be liable to file an SR22. Drivers with DWI convictions are often considered by auto insurance companies as “high risk”, and some auto insurance companies may opt not to cover you at all if you have multiple DWI convictions.
Generally speaking, the more DWI convictions you accrue, the more difficult it will be for you to find insurance, even if you manage to retain your driver’s license despite repeat offenses.
What is an SR22?
An SR22 is a form that is filed to prove that you are providing the minimum required insurance for your state. In New Hampshire, since no insurance is required by default, an SR22 form may be required if you are convicted of a DWI, or you’ve caused an accident without insurance. This will help reinstate your driving privileges and proves that you have, at minimum, liability insurance for your vehicle and will be required in NH for 3 years.
What this means is that if you’ve been driving without insurance and get convicted of a DWI, you may be required by law to purchase insurance before your license will be reinstated.
DWI convictions can also cause a slew of other issues including revocation of professional licenses (such as CDLs, for example), inability to maintain a standard driver’s license, reduce your ability to receive fair treatment in child custody battles, and more. If you need assistance fighting a DWI and keeping it off your record, contact us today.
