Getting Commercial Auto Insurance after a DUI: What to Know

Maintaining protection for business finances and assets, protecting employees and drivers, and meeting regulatory and various legal requirements are vital, which is why you need to invest in commercial auto insurance. There are different factors providers look for before approving your application, such as past driving records, including convictions for issues like driving under the influence (DUI). Continue reading to learn whether an individual with a DUI on record can obtain commercial auto insurance.

State Requirements

For a driver with a DUI to retain driving privileges and auto insurance, various forms must be filed, such as the SR-22 and FR-44. The advantage of filing these forms and being approved is to guarantee you can receive commercial auto coverage despite being a high-risk driver.

The stricter standards that come once you’ve filed these forms will vary, depending on the past conviction, current laws, and the insurance company’s regulations. For example, the consequences of a DUI conviction could lower the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit to 0.04 for commercial drivers, compared to 0.08 for noncommercial drivers.

Always speak with a legal representative, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and auto insurance providers to learn what forms are necessary to obtain commercial insurance for vehicles after a DUI conviction.

Higher Premiums

Even when you’re approved and shopping around for competitive rates after a DUI conviction, you’re more likely to have to pay higher premiums when it comes to obtaining commercial insurance coverage. The potential for catastrophic accidents and significantly higher financial payouts leads to the higher premium amounts due to many factors, such as vehicle size. Larger vans and trucks possess a greater risk of causing damage and severe injuries than noncommercial automobiles.

An insurer views a commercial driver with a DUI to have impaired judgment behind the wheel. The provider typically assumes you’ll have more accidents and claims as well as other financial losses. Higher premiums allow the provider to offset the potential financial exposure.

Expungement

You can seek expungement to have the conviction removed. However, a DUI may remain on your driving record for up to 10 years, even with expungement, giving auto insurance providers access if the expungement takes place before the 10-year period expires. However, most insurance companies monitor the last three to five years of a driving record.

As more time passes since your conviction, the less impact it could have, as long as you’ve avoided more DUIs since the first one. A second conviction is likely to lead to a permanent disqualification in California, even if you’ve received special coverage through state programs and approved providers.

Ways to Increase Your Options and Lower Premiums

Avoiding other traffic and driving violations can improve your driving record. The objective is to maintain good standing with not only the Department of Motor Vehicles but your provider as well, even if you plan to switch auto insurance companies going forward.

Bundling your policies together could also help, despite having a DUI on record. Doing so allows you to combine your commercial insurance with renters and homeowners coverage or other options under the same provider, lowering your premium rates. It’s always best to speak with providers to learn about different discounted options.

If you have a DUI and need to learn more about getting commercial auto insurance, get in touch with Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance policies, including motorcycle, business, and homeowners insurance. San Diego residents can call one of our knowledgeable team members today for a free quote.