Some car insurance companies will forgive your first at-fault car accident, but none will ignore a DUI conviction. However, insurers vary in how much hurt they’re going to put on you. Some will cancel your policy, or refuse to renew it, after learning of your conviction. If that happens, you’ll be forced to look for car insurance with two dark marks on your record – a DUI and a cancellation.
But other insurers will keep you as a customer – for a price.
“Every insurance company is different in how they treat a DUI and how they price it,” says Pete Moraga, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Network of California. “This is one area where it really pays to shop around. Make calls. Go on the Internet and eventually you will find a company that best suits your needs until the DUI disappears from your record.”
For example, if you're insured with Progressive, you will not face cancellation or nonrenewal due to a DUI conviction, but you’re likely to face a rate increase. Progressive reviews rates on a case-by-case basis. It will weigh multiple factors such as your age, gender, driving history and vehicle model.
State Farm reviews DUIs on a case-by-case basis, too. But the outcome also depends on which subsidiary you're with. If you have a preferred policy with State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. and receive a DUI, State Farm will likely move you into State Farm Fire & Casualty, which is its standard-policy company for riskier drivers and higher rates.
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