How Do Insurance Companies Find Out About a DUI?

Getting a DUI will raise car insurance premiums. In most states, a DUI raises premiums by 40% to 100%, and you could pay higher premiums for up to 10 years.

But how do insurance companies find out about DUI convictions?

Typically, insurance companies discover a DUI by checking your driving record or contacting the DMV. You are not legally obligated to report a DUI to your insurance company, although your insurance company will periodically check your driving record to verify your information.

Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about insurance companies discovering DUIs – including how to pay lower insurance rates even if you have a DUI.

he DMV Does Not Notify your Insurance Company

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your equivalent state organization will not notify your insurer about the DUI.

The insurer does not receive a notification from the state DMV, the police, the government, or any other body.

Instead, your DUI is technically “undiscovered” until your insurer pulls your Motor Vehicle Report.

Depending on the timing of your DUI, you could avoid paying higher insurance premiums for months after your DUI. Unfortunately, due to SR-22 and FR-44 requirements, your insurance company will raise premiums immediately after a DUI.

Can I Avoid Telling My Insurer About My DUI?

You are not legally obligated to inform your insurer of your DUI conviction.

Most states do not have a law requiring drivers to notify their insurer of DUI convictions or other incidents.

Instead, it’s up to your insurance company to do its due diligence, verify your driving history, and check your Motor Vehicle Report.

However, it’s generally a good idea to be honest with your insurer about your DUI conviction. If you require SR-22 or FR-44 insurance, your insurer will quickly discover your DUI anyway. And, lying to your insurance company can lead to denial of future claims.

Be Upfront When Searching for a New Policy

In most states, a DUI stays on your record for 3 to 5 years. In some states, DUIs remain on your record for 7 to 10 years – or even longer.

It’s important to be honest with your insurance company when shopping for car insurance. If you are buying a new policy from a new insurance company, then you need to tell that new insurance company about your DUI convictions. Most insurers ask on the application form.

If you do not tell your new insurance company, then you could get lower rates on your initial application – but your new insurance company will discover the DUI later after checking your driving record.