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.

How To Save On Young Driver Car Insurance in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

Were trying to help our son build a good credit history and since car insurance here in Illinois costs too much for a young driver, we elected to put him as a named driver on our policy. What else can we do to save on car insurance?

Warren

Naperville, IL

Putting your son under your own car insurance policy there in Naperville, Illinois is definitely a good idea. And in the meantime, until he graduates and gets his first job, (and eventually decide he needs to get car insurance on his own) here are a few other ways on how your son can start to build a good driving history which is key into getting good car insurance deals in the future.

Do Defensive Driving

A good foundation on safe and responsible driving habits will serve your son well for many, many driving years to come. Start early and find accredited defensive driving classes or schools in your area, you can even make it a family project, not only will this help your son learn the skills of safer driving but it can also qualify you for discounts towards your car insurance policy.

Good Grades Go Far

The better he maintains his academic performance, the better chances of your son being able to get competitive rates for first time policy holders in the future. Most auto insurers will also provide a good student discount if your son is able to maintain an average of at least a B or higher.

Follow The Rules

Your son should be aware of the gravity of any moving violations, drunk driving or car accidents could cause on his record and to his ability to get good car insurance in the future. Admittedly, first time policy holders rates are expensive but why make it higher due to some reckless driving incidences?rules are there to keep everyone, including your son, safe.

DUI – Drivers License Suspended in Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

My driver’s license got suspended and it is nearing the end of the suspension period. How do I get my license back so that I can drive again especially to and from work here in Aurora, Illinois?

Cannon

Aurora, IL

To have your driver’s license reinstated so that you can drive again especially to and from work in Aurora, Illinois, it would depend on what the violation was and the state laws or regulations of the state where your license got suspended or revoked. If the reason why your driver’s license was suspended was due to unpaid tickets then it could be as simple as paying the fines and fees for these violations and complete the requirements to have your driving privileges back.

If your driver’s license got suspended due to a DUI offense, the state of Illinois might require you to complete DUI school, pay fines and get an SR22 auto insurance. If your driver’s license was suspended due to a lot of points, check if a driving improvement class could let you have your driving privileges back. You can also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to get particular information on reinstating your driver’s license.

Tags: DMV, driver’s license, drunk driving insurance, DUI, SR22 insurance

Drunk Driving in Illinois? Avoid Conviction!

Reader’s Question:

I have so many friends here in Cicero, Illinois who often drive drunk and I’m just afraid they might get into an accident and face DUI. How would I approach someone I know who is too drunk to drive?

Dahlia

Cicero, IL

Approaching a friend who is trying to drive drunk is one of the hardest things to do. But you can definitely intervene to avoid an accident and a DUI charge in Cicero, Illinois. You can try the direct approach, but this would probably not work with a friend who is very drunk, but it won’t hurt to try. You can ask for your friend’s keys and offer to drive or call a cab. Sometimes it would just take someone pointing out the obvious for the person to admit the problem.

You may also offer a diversion by suggesting you grab a bite to eat before heading home. This would work best if there is a place to get food within walking distance, but if not, you can still offer to drive. The food that you eat could sober your friend up, or at least provide you more time to convince him not to drive home. You can also try to explain to your friend the penalties that would be involved if he will be caught drunk driving, such as fines, possible jail time, probation, etc. DUI can also have an adverse effect on his auto insurance as it will definitely go up. Worse, he might just have someone injured or killed and he could also probably kill himself if he gets into an accident caused by drunk driving.

Is a Drunk Driving Offense in Illinois Serious?

Reader’s Question:

Why do people, especially here in Illinois, think that drunk driving or DUI is a serious offense? Isn’t it that DUI is just a simple offense?

Oliver

Berwyn, IL

People, most especially there in Berwyn, Illinois, think that drunk driving or driving under the influence is a serious offense because it simply is. DUI is not just any other traffic offense because it is nevertheless a criminal offense. In fact, DUI is one of the most serious driving offenses in the US. Although there are a lot of driving offenses, DUI often results in serious consequences and it is likely to have grave implications on your future. It is a crime if you are driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more and driver’s license could be suspended or revoked if you are found guilty of the DUI offense. It would also make life difficult and costly through increased insurance fees and hefty fines.

The US takes DUI offense very seriously, as it should be. Drunk driving in states like Illinois are set forth by a statute and Illinois DUI Laws could be incredibly complex. The consequences could vary in different states and with different instances, but the basic penalties under the DUI laws tend to remain almost the same.

DUI in Illinois – What Happens If I am Caught?

Reader’s Question:

I am an occasional drinker and when I drink, I usually just drive myself home. I have never been charged with DUI here in Joliet, Illinois, but if I will be caught drunk driving, what do I stand to lose?

Clay

Joliet, IL

If you are a drinker, it’s a good thing that you want to know what you stand to lose by driving drunk. To know why this is such a bad idea is essential to help you plan before you head out to party and drink and drive yourself home.

In the state of Illinois, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent. If you are caught in Joliet, Illinois with a BAC that is higher than the limit, you could lose your license, head to jail, or be asked to perform community service. Of course, you will have to pay fines for a DUI offense. Education and alcohol treatment may also be a requirement and you will have to pay for these classes and assessments.

If you lose your driving privileges, you would have to do several things before you can get it back. First, you would have to pay a steep fine on top of the fines that you have already paid and you would have to complete an alcohol education course in order to get it back.

If you get your license back, you would have to prove that you are insured but your insurance company may also drop your coverage. You can find another insurance provider to cover you, but it would be expensive. You will be tagged as a ‘high risk’ driver if you have a DUI offense, thus insurance companies may charge high premiums. So with that said, it would be far better to avoid the DUI at all costs than to deal with these expenses.

Convicted of Drunk Driving In Illinois?

Reader’s Question:

I know someone who has been charged with DUI here in Illinois. He’s in trial right now and by the looks of it, he will be convicted but he’s lawyer is doing everything to at least shorten the jail time and reduce the fines. I wanna make sure that the same thing will not happen to me. I don’t deny that I have been drunk or maybe drove under the influence of alcohol once or twice. What advice could you give me if I will be caught drunk driving?

Jackie

Springfield, IL

It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Illinois. It is strongly advised that people should not drive alone while in an intoxicated condition. Drivers who are caught doing this are charged with a criminal offense. It is very important that you know what to do if you are stopped by a patrol officer on a DUI suspicion.

In case you can’t avoid drinking and getting behind the wheel, you should have a favorable witness along with you in your car. Eye drops should be applied to mask bloodshot eyes, which strongly imply a person’s drunken condition. If you will be caught drunk driving, you should not take a portable breath test or any field sobriety tests (FST) while in an intoxicated condition because you are not required by law to do so. You should also indicate that you are confused about your legal rights. You should be advised by the officer to ask for a lawyer before questioning and after Miranda warnings are given. You should not information as to how much you have been drinking and what you were drinking. All implied consent warnings should be fully read to you by the police officer. You should also be polite and courteous regardless of how rude a police officer may be towards you. While blowing into the Breath analyzer, you should not blow hard because blowing hard may reflect a higher than normal reading.

Lastly, if in any unavoidable circumstance that you will be charged with DUI, make sure that you consult and hire an experienced Illinois DUI lawyer to give you detailed advice, to represent you, and to make sure everything will be done for you to avoid serving in jail and hefty fines.

DUI SR22 Auto Insurance in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

A friend’s Dad was arrested for drunk driving in Peoria, Illinois. He was asked to file an SR22. What happens if he refuses to do this?

Karen

Peoria, IL

Good Question, Karen.

An SR22 is one of the means in Illinois to monitor the insurance of problem drivers. Through this process, mandatory insurance is enforced in the most efficient way. Illinois citizens are protected from uninsured motorists through the Financial Responsibility Law.

SR22 is required in Illinois by individuals with safety responsibility suspensions, unsatisfied judgment suspensions, revocations, mandatory insurance supervisions and individuals who receive three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations.

In short, your Dad’s friend cannot refuse to file an SR22. This certificate of insurance is filed by the home office of an insurance company directly to the Secretary of State. This may be obtained by contacting an insurance company that is authorized to write SR-22 policies for Illinois.