My DUI conviction here in Houston two years ago had a negative effect on my car insurance. How long will it stay high and what can I do to have lower car insurance?

Gary

Houston, TX

The amount of time that your DUI can affect your car insurance rates in Houston depends on the guiding principles of your car insurance provider and the regulations of the state you live in. Different states have different laws regarding how long a DUI or DWI stays on your driving record. It could stay on your motor vehicle record (MVR) for as short as a few years to as long as 10 years depending on the state and the conditions concerning your DUI conviction. As long as your alcohol-related offense stays on your MVR, it is most probably to have an effect on your car insurance premiums.

Every car insurance carrier has their own means of assessing and rating drivers. To determine the amount of time your DUI will remain on your MVR, you can get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and to determine how long your present car insurance carrier would continue to give higher premium, get in touch with your car insurance agent.

To lower the payment for your car insurance, you have to shop around the car insurance market. You will discover that even if you have a serious DUI offense two years ago, there are other car insurance companies that can offer you reasonable fees for your coverage. You can do this by simply going online and visiting car insurance comparison quotes Websites. You can collect different car insurance quotes from them and choose the best one that has lower rates than what you pay right now.

My cousin told me that he needs to file SR22 car insurance because of his recent DUI conviction in Houston, Texas. He asked me to help him find out how long is it required. What is SR22 car insurance, how can he obtain one and how long does he have to carry it?

Earl

Houston, TX

SR22 car insurance is a certificate of insurance that shows the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proof of insurance for the future, as required by law. In your cousin’s case, he is required to have it because of his DUI conviction in Houston, Texas. SR22 is a motor vehicle liability insurance which requires the insurance company to certify coverage to DPS, and the insurance company must notify DPS anytime the policy is cancelled, terminated or lapses. He can obtain SR22 by contacting an insurance agent/company who is authorized to write liability insurance for the State of Texas. Or better yet, just simply get an online rate quote for great SR22 car insurance in Houston from this site.

In Texas, SR22 is required for two years from the date of the DUI conviction or the date the judgment was rendered. If the SR22 is cancelled, terminated, or lapses, the insurance company will notify the Texas DPS. If it is still required for the driver to carry SR22 and it was not on file, the driving privilege and vehicle registration is suspended.