The monthly amount that you pay for your auto insurance is partly based on the type of coverage you have, but it is also based on how likely you are to file a claim. Risky behavior, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is a big red flag to auto insurance companies and usually results in a significantly higher monthly premium. Also driving without a license or on a suspended license is a very big no no.

Why Does My Driving Record Affect My Auto Insurance Rate?

Auto insurance companies calculate customers’ premiums using complex algorithms that weigh hundreds of factors to determine how “risky” a driver is to insure. A clean driving record with no speeding tickets, accidents or other driving-related offenses communicates to the auto insurance company that the driver is safe and unlikely to file a claim. These customers generally enjoy the best auto insurance rates.

Each company has its own unique algorithm, which is why some companies charge more than others for customers with less-than-perfect driving records. An auto insurance broker can help you find out which auto insurance companies offer the best rate for you.

Purchasing Nonstandard Auto Insurance After Receiving a DUI

While your auto insurance company cannot drop you as a customer after you receive a DUI, they can decide to not renew your policy after your term is up. If that happens, you will have to find another auto insurance policy.

To provide coverage for high-risk drivers, many auto insurance companies offer nonstandard policies. These policies are specially tailored for drivers who are most likely to file a claim. Researching these policies is much the same as researching standard auto insurance policies, but they typically have much higher monthly premiums.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record?

Depending on your state, a DUI may stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. The good news is that as time goes on, that DUI has a decreasing impact on your monthly premium. However, as long as the DUI is on your driving record, you will pay a higher monthly rate than someone with a clean record.

Finding Affordable Auto Insurance with Nevada Insurance Enrollment

Having just one DUI offense on your driving record can raise your monthly premium by $150 or more, which may make it difficult to find quality coverage that you can afford. Fortunately, even if you are considered to be a high-risk driver, you are eligible for discounts that can help bring down your rate.

Discounts vary widely from one auto insurance company to another, but often include price cuts for multiple bundled policies, your car’s security and safety features, driver training courses that you have completed, renewing your policy before it expires or paperless billing.

Because discounts, coverage options and policy limits differ widely across auto insurance companies, it can be hard to decide which company provides the best deal. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, our auto insurance agents specialize in comparing multiple policies for unbiased assistance in choosing the right auto insurance for you, even if you have a DUI.