Do You Need Drunk Driver Insurance in Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

My driver’s license was suspended because of my drunk driving charge. Is it true that this can be a reason for my car insurance rates to go up?

Barry

Des Plaines, IL

The states don’t allow insurance providers not to give coverage to people because of their color, faith, residence, profession or age but they can drop your policy for some other reasons. This includes having a suspended driver’s license, too many tickets or having a felony, criminal negligence or DUI conviction. Car insurance providers typically treat those who have drunk driving charge differently than those who have a clean driving record. They usually charge higher car insurance premium rates or they can even drop the policy.

Since you have a drunk driving charge in Illinois, you will be tagged as a high risk driver. If your car insurance provider finds out about it and decides to keep you, they would likely increase your premiums. In that case, you will be expected to file a proof of insurance, or what is called SR22, so that your driver’s license will be reinstated. Also, because of the SR22, your car insurance provider would notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if your car insurance policy is canceled for whatever reason.

Illinois Auto Insurance Canceled After DUI Charge?

Reader’s Question:

Is it true that my mom’s car insurance can be canceled because of her DUI charge here in Des Plaines, Illinois?

Val

Des Plaines, IL

Most of the state laws regarding insurance specifically spell out the circumstances under which a car insurance company can cancel a policy. There are certain grounds for cancellation of car insurance and the most common are:

-you or a member of the household loses driving privileges during the policy period because of license expiration, suspension or revocation
-you fail to pay the premium on time
-you misrepresent material facts about your risk – which means your driving history, claims history or the number of people who have access to your vehicle.

In your mom’s DUI case if her driver’s license is suspended or revoked, this can be a ground for the cancellation of her car insurance. This can be very inconvenient for her so if her car insurance gets canceled, she needs to get another car insurance provider right away. Luckily, she can definitely get great car insurance it will just be a little harder to find, and the rates will obviously be a little higher, but don’t give up hope.  Clean up her act, and the rates will eventually go back down over time.

Illinois DUI Charge – What Will It Cost Me?

Reader’s Question:

They say that even if I don’t fight my DUI case, it would still affect my finances greatly. Will it cost me too much money if I lose my DUI case here in Des Plaines, Illinois?

Alfred

Des Plaines, IL

The costs of a DUI arrest are great both emotionally and financially. It’s true that even if you don’t fight your DUI case in Des Plaines, Illinois, there would still be a big hit on your finances. But I still suggest you would because the fines and surcharges if you lose your DUI case could be unimaginable. Aside from the fines, penalties and surcharges that the court can impose on you, you might also have to pay for an ignition interlock device if the judge decides it is necessary. This device is a breathalyzer put in the steering column of your car. The vehicle would not start unless it shows that your blood alcohol content is below a certain level.

It would also cost you money if your driver’s license is taken from you when you are arrested. For 30 days, you would have a “temporary license” in which you could still legally drive. If your driver’s license is suspended by the DMV, you could apply for a temporary license, but there would be fees to pay for that too. And if you continue to drive a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended, you would also incur additional criminal charges and all the costs involved.