Reader’s Question:

About two weeks ago, I got convicted with DUI here in Kentucky. I was lucky enough to have avoided serving time in jail. I need to renew my auto insurance soon. How does my DUI conviction affect my car insurance? Is there a need for me to file an SR22?

William

Fayette, KY

Auto insurance companies may check your motor vehicle record only once every three years or when you are applying for a new policy. There’s a possibility that your DUI conviction may never make their way to your official motor vehicle record. But since you have to renew your auto insurance, they most likely take a peek on your motor vehicle record. You may be classified as a “high-risk driver” and your insurance would go up. An even worse thing may happen if your policy will be cancelled or non-renewed, especially if you are in a preferred rate class. You will then be forced to look for new car insurance because of the sky high cost after your DUI conviction. The best strategy is to shop around because car insurance rates will vary greatly among insurance companies.

Regarding filing of SR22, the state of Kentucky does not require SR22. I don’t want to keep your hopes up but if you don’t have to get an SR22, it’s possible that your insurance company will never find out about your DUI conviction. In this case, it may still have a few years to raise car insurance rates if your DUI conviction is discovered later.