- June 13, 2018 |
- Category: DUI and Courtroom Process
A DUI conviction carries many ancillary penalties and collateral consequences that are not set forth by the Ohio Revised Code. For example, nowhere does Ohio law tell you that many potential employers are reluctant to hire someone with a DUI conviction on their record. Similarly, the law does not inform you that your automobile insurance may get cancelled, or at least increase in cost, if you’re convicted of a DUI.
Your Insurance Company May Cancel Your Coverage After a DUI Conviction.
Automobile insurance policies are non-binding contracts, which means that either party can cancel the policy at any time, for any reason. Drivers who have bad driving records, and subsequently get into an accident, may have their policies cancelled. Similarly, once convicted of a DUI, your automobile insurance company may classify you as a high risk driver and terminate your policy.
Insurance Companies are Unique and Independent Entities That Set Their Own Rates
While Ohio law dictates punishment for DUI offenders and gives judges a range of punishments they may impose, insurance companies are able to set their own rates without restriction. Some insurance companies are low cost and offer policies that cover the bare minimum, like Safe Auto. Other insurance companies take the approach of charging more money and offering more comprehensive policies, like State Farm. Insurance companies issue policies and set prices based on a number of factors, including their overall strategic goals. Despite the independence of each individual insurance company, one factor that universally impacts the cost of your insurance is your driving record. Any DUI convictions on your record will cause higher premiums.
Insurance Companies May Price Insurance Policies Based Upon a Number of Factors
There are a number of factors that impact the cost of an automobile insurance policy. For example, age is a consideration for most insurance companies. That means that young drivers will generally pay more for insurance than drivers who are older and have more driving experience. An individual’s past driving record is also a major consideration that insurance companies utilize when setting premiums. The more citations, convictions and accidents on your record, the higher your insurance premium will be. If you have one or more DUI convictions on your record, insurance companies will certainly charge you more than if you don’t have any. Another factor that can impact your insurance rates is your credit score. A low credit score can cause the insurance companies to charge more for your premium. One additional consideration that may cause higher premiums is your employment. If you drive your car as part of your job, the insurance companies will likely charge you more for insurance.
You May Be Required to File an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Form With the Ohio BMV
SR stands for Safety Responsibility. Ohio and other states require an SR-22 for individuals with certain types of driving-related problems, which includes DUI or operating a vehicle under the influence. An SR-22 is a document that verifies you have an automobile insurance policy that meets state requirements. Once the driver pays the insurance provider for the policy, the company prepares the document and files it with the state BMV. An SR-22 certificate proves that you carry the minimum insurance requirements in the state, and it also ensures that if you are involved in an accident, your insurance company will pay legitimate claims. At a minimum, drivers under an SR-22 requirement must file for three years. Based on the seriousness of the offense, the court has discretion to ask for a longer filing period as it deems appropriate. An SR-22 must be renewed on an annual basis two weeks prior to expiration. Failure to notify the insurance company of your intent to renew will result in the insurer contacting the BMV, which in turn, can have your driving privileges suspended until you reinstate your insurance policy. It is your responsibility to renew the policy on time and submit the required SR-22 insurance paperwork.
An Ohio DUI Lawyer Can Help You Avoid a DUI Conviction
The ancillary DUI penalties discussed on this page only apply to individuals who are convicted of a DUI offense. If you are charged with an Ohio DUI, you should choose an experienced lawyer who focuses on DUI defense. The primary goal for most DUI lawyers is to avoid a DUI conviction on your record, which allows you to avoid the significant, mandatory penalties associated with a DUI. Depending on the facts of your case, an experienced DUI lawyer may be able to get the case dismissed entirely or reduced to a lower level traffic offense.
