Many people don't realize how much a drunk driving conviction can affect their car insurance. If you're covered by a policy at the time you're convicted of a DUI, the rate increase could be substantial, or your policy may be canceled. You may find it difficult securing future coverage if you aren't covered at the time of a DUI conviction. Drinking and driving is obviously not a good idea for many reasons.

Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll also describe the purpose of an SR-22. Finally, we'll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event you're caught driving under the influence.

The Purpose Of An SR-22

Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. You'll likely be required to file an SR-22 if you're caught and convicted of a DUI. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a statement that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is usually returned when this statement is filed.

Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local DMV. By charging much higher premiums, some car insurance carriers will offer special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers. Other carriers will not offer such coverage and will often cancel a "high risk" driver's policy at the end of its term.

Remaining Under The Radar

For years, there's a been a bit of a disconnect between the some court systems and some local departments of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. A driver can in effect avoid filing an SR-22 if for some reason the DUI offense is not reported to the driver's local DMV. If this is the case, the driver's alcohol-related offense may not be discovered by his car insurance company. Though this happens quite frequently, many providers learn of a policyholder's DUI years later and raise the premiums accordingly.

Don't Wait To Shop Around

A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If you find that your current insurer is canceling your policy, it may be because they have found about your DUI conviction. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.

It's easier to find an insurer willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy if you're already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established carriers are unwilling to insure you, check with the independent agents in your area.

Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead

Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. Basically, a Driving Under the Influence conviction limits your options severely. But, don't let that dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. If the Department of Motor Vehicles has your DUI in their records, paying higher premiums for your policy is pretty much inevitable. But, the alternative - driving without coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.

While a DUI conviction may stay on your record for 10 years, auto insurance companies usually only use it for calculating your premium for about 3 years, sometimes less. Know your options, plan ahead and work toward putting the experience behind you.