Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many reasons. One of the effects of a 'driving under the influence' conviction that many people fail to realize - is just how severely your car insurance rates can be affected. If you're covered by a policy at the time you're convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase dramatically or your policy may be canceled. If you don't have car insurance at the time of a DUI conviction, you may find it very difficult securing future coverage.

Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll also describe the purpose of an SR-22 form, which may be a requirement if you are convicted of a DUI offense and wish to legally drive again. Also, we'll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event that you're caught driving under the influence.

The Purpose Of An SR-22 After a DUI Offense

Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. If you're caught and convicted of a DUI, you'll likely be required to file an SR-22. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a legal statement (document) that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is usually returned when this statement is filed.

Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some car insurance carriers offer special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers, charging much higher premiums. Other insurers won't offer such coverage and will simply cancel a "high risk" driver's policy.

An SR-22 form can be obtained from your auto insurance company (once they have decided to insure you) when purchasing your car insurance.

A DUI Can Remain Under The Radar - For a While

Occasionally there's somewhat of a disconnect between the local court system and the local department of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. When a DUI offense isn't reported to a driver's local DMV, that driver's DUI offense may remain hidden, and that driver may be able to effectively avoid filing an SR-22, because their alcohol-related offense is not immediately discovered by their car insurance company. Though this does happen on occasion, insurance providers can eventually learn of a policyholder's DUI - even years later, and act accordingly.

If You've Been Convicted, Don't Wait To Shop Around For An SR-22 Insurance Policy

A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their car insurance policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If your current provider is canceling your policy, it's likely because they know about your DUI from your driving record at the DMV. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.

It's much more difficult to find a carrier that is willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy when you're not already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established insurance carriers are unwilling to insure you, you may want to check with the independent agents in your area.

Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead After a DUI

Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. In short, a DUI severely limits your options. But, if a DUI conviction is in your past, don't let it dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. Assuming the DMV has recorded your DUI in their records, you'll need to pay higher premiums for your policy, but, the alternative - driving without coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.

Remember, while a DUI conviction can stay on your record for a decade, car insurance companies will typically only use it for premium scoring for 3 years (sometimes less).

Obviously it's in everyone's best interest to just say no to drinking and driving. However, if you're learning this lesson a bit late, it's best to know your options, plan ahead and work diligently toward putting the experience behind you.

Kade Phillips
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/driving-under-the-influence-dui-and-car-insurance-dont-mix-1087960.html

Things parents can do to help reduce the costs of car insurance for teens:

According to a 2004 study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly a third of all traffic-related fatalities are represented by teenagers. Further studies have shown that teen drivers are far more likely to commit errors behind the wheel, make poor decisions, and drive at unsafe speeds than any other age group. This is the main reason why car insurance companies attach high premiums to teen policyholders. Their business model is based upon risk management strategies, and teenage drivers clearly represent a significantly higher level of risk.

Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take in order to reduce their teen's auto insurance rates. Below, you'll learn 5 ways to control the costs of car insurance for teens while helping to ensure that your teenager also remains safe on the road.

#1 - Watch Their Grades

Auto insurers use profiles to determine the potential risk of underwriting a policy. Good grades usually reflect responsibility and good decision-making skills. As a result, carriers often reward teens - and their parents - with a rate reduction. Each insurance company has varying guidelines regarding discounts on premiums for good grades. Ask your car insurance company about their GPA requirements.

#2 - Encourage Traffic School

Teenage drivers tend to speed, attracting more than their fair share of traffic tickets. Unfortunately, traffic tickets cause their insurance rates to rise. The good news is that their driving record can remain clean if they agree to attend traffic school (if/when the judge offers them the option). However, left to their own devices, a lot of teenagers will avoid spending an entire Saturday in class. Make sure they attend. Not only will it give them the opportunity to reflect on their mistake, but a clean record helps keep premiums manageable.

#3 - Choose A Practical Car

Your 16-year-old son may want a red Corvette, but buying one for him will likely cause his insurance rates to rise. Car insurance companies consider teenagers with sports cars to represent a higher potential risk than otherwise. Opt for a 4-door vehicle that is safe to drive, fuel efficient, and comes equipped with safety features (i.e. airbags). Your teenager's insurance premiums will be lower.

#4 - Add Them To Your Policy

It's usually more cost-effective to add your son or daughter to your family car insurance policy than it is to open a new policy for them. If you can have them categorized as a "part-time" driver, you'll enjoy lower rates. Carriers consider full-time teenage drivers as a higher risk; the premiums will reflect that increased risk.

#5 - Cultivate The Right Attitude

Despite what a lot of parents think, their teenagers often become involved in traffic collisions because of their attitude toward driving, not a lack of skills. Young adults develop a sense of invulnerability. As a result, they often neglect to drive safely. This lack of concern while behind the wheel leads to traffic tickets and accidents.

Ride along with them. Take note of their driving skills, decision-making ability, and attitude. If you can nurture the right perspective in your son or daughter, they're more likely to drive safely and keep their record clean. And remember, a clean driving record leads to lower car insurance premiums.

Parents, Teenagers, and Premiums

Teenage drivers are at an immediate disadvantage. They've already been profiled by auto insurers as a high-risk group and are instantly saddled with higher insurance rates. That said, parents can take a few savvy steps in order to help manage the costs. By encouraging good grades, traffic school (when available), buying a practical car, and adding them to a family policy, they can keep the premiums at a reasonable level. Finally, they should invest time to cultivate the right attitude toward driving. By doing these 5 things, parents can significantly lower their - and their kids' - auto insurance rates.

Kade Phillips
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/car-insurance-101-for-teenage-drivers-and-their-parents-1087958.html

I am planning to enroll my new car. I want a complete coverage but at a reasonable cost. I don't wanna be spending too much just for my car insurance. Help please…Thanks a lot.

Just get a quote from insurers you get from yellow pages,. the internet, the TV, the radio.
Just don't go for the first price they quote you but spend a few days collecting data.

In this state just like any other state, you need Wyoming car insurance to drive. It is illegally to drive on the roads and high ways without an insurance policy. The first step in getting insurance would be get a Wyoming car insurance quote, you can do that by contacting an agent or an insurance company provider directly. When contacting a car insurance agent or an insurance company request different coverages in order to see which Wyoming auto insurance policy is the right one for you and your budget.

Insurance itself can be a hassle for anyone, but getting a Wyoming car insurance policy doesn’t have to be such a hassle. The fact is that everyone has to pay for insurance but no one like to pay for it. So when getting a car insurance quote in Wyoming ask how you can reduce your rates, because everyone likes to save a little bit of money and  have a cheap car insurance. When you have automobile insurance in Wyoming you have coverages for any accidents that can occur at anytime.

In this state drivers must show proof that they have Wyoming automobile insurance at all times, when driving. The best way is to purchase the required minimum liability policy in the state. Any minimum liability policy on car insurance in Wyoming will include bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per injured person up to a total of $50,000 per total accident, and property damage liability coverage with a minimum limit of $20,000. Every insured in this state will have these limits of liability but there are also other coverages to think about such as collision & comprehensive, rental reimbursement and uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.

This state follows a no-fault system meaning that your insurance company will make payments for your injury claims regardless of fault, up to a specified limit. Normally, you lose some of your rights to sue under a no-fault system. Remember that each state has different laws regarding insurance, so check with your department of insurance for more information before betting a quote for insurance in Wyoming.

Saving money on Wyoming car insurance is rather easy, it doesn’t matter which state you live in the best way to save money if to do a little research. Doing a little bit of research is a great way to help you find the best Wyoming auto insurance policy that is best suited for your needs. One example would be, go out and get as many Wyoming quotes on car insurance in Wyoming as possible and then compare the quotes to whichever fits you. Remember to always find the best ways to save on insurance with the best coverages for your needs.

Thoran
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/wyoming-car-insurance-741624.html

Do not be lured into paying for your car insurance monthly. Although it seems cheaper or more manageable, it's not. Typically, you will be charged around 24% interest, thereby adding £50 to the average car insurance cost. Just over 50 per cent of the 26 million insured drivers in Britain pay monthly, and cumulatively this means £624 million is being handed to the insurance industry in unnecessary payments. Even if you pay on your credit card, taking two or three months to pay it off, it will still be more economical than spreading it over a year at 24% interest.

There are lots of saving tips you can use when it comes to car insurance. Firstly, don't accept a renewal quote, even if you have a substantial no-claims bonus. There is no such thing as customer loyalty in the insurance industry. Every one of the big companies target new clients by offering big discounts, some offering half price deals compared to those for existing customers for exactly the same level of cover. Try applying as a new customer to your existing insurer; you'll soon see how much the difference is.

Secondly, try not to make a claim on small amounts up to £500 because you'll only have pay a higher premium the year after when your policy is up for renewal and in some cases an insurer may not cover you at all if you have made a lot of claims.

Setting your level of excess at a high rate can also bring your premium down significantly.

The majority of people don't realise how job titles can affect insurance premiums. If you go to tinyurl.com/4n75a3 you can click on your occupation and search through a list of job titles within that group revealing the premiums that each will be charged. Some occupations are not well thought of by insurers - journalists, estate agents and sales reps to name but a few. You may be able to reduce your premium by being more accurate about you job title. A journalist for example may pay £600 but an editor only £576. You must, however, tell the truth. Any inaccurate or non-disclosed information would invalidate any claims you make.

Using security devices can also reduce your insurance premiums. Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre calculates how good car security products like vehicle tracking are and because they use the British insurance industry's criteria, a lot of insurers recognise these benefits and give discounts if you have them fitted.

Avoid customizing or modifying your car significantly because around half of all insurers won't give cover and any that do charge more. Don't pimp your ride if you want to keep the cost down.

Another temptation is for young drivers to avoid supplying details of their parents' address in rural areas rather than putting down the address of their own city abode. Never do this. If insurers get an inkling that you have lied on your insurance application, they will completely invalidate your claim.

One final tip in trying to reducing premiums is to add another driver to your policy. For some reason, adding a driver can lower the total premium. Obviously, this works best if the additional driver has a safe, clean record.

Information at a glance from Sainsbury's Insurance (Jan 2008), reveals that the average car insurance premium in the UK is £497 per annum. The equivalent paid by a driver under 25 years old is £1,256 whilst the average for a man is £525.35.

And a report published by the AA in April 2008 claims that shopping around for the best car insurance quote can save you a massive £217 per annum.

Michael Challiner
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/car-insurance-at-a-glance-743276.html