FAQs for DWI Insurance

Some of the most common questions we get from people about DWIs are the effects that a DWI conviction could have on their premiums.  People worry about whether they will be able to afford DWI insurance, or even whether their insurer will drop them.  We reached out to Ramey Fesperman with Southeast Insurance Agency in Charlotte.  This article is solely for informational purposes.  People with prior DWI convictions are “high risk,” and many companies put them in the North Carolina reinsurance pool.  This pool exists so that companies share the risk for so called “high risk” drivers.  When an company chooses to insure a person in this group, they are “ceding it to the facility.”

Frequently Asked Questions about DWI Insurance:

1. How many points does a DWI conviction result in?  Some people become confused about the point situation.  Insurance points are separate from drivers license points.  For DWI, you will get 12 points on your insurance.  Insurers use these points to determine if they will accept your risk, and how much they will charge you.

2. What is the difference between a violation date and a conviction date?  A violation date is the date that the alleged DWI took place, and the conviction date is the date on which a person is either found guilty of, or pleads guilty to DWI.  North Carolina companies calculate premiums for offenses from the conviction date.

3. How long will a DWI conviction affect my rates? In North Carolina, most companies consider DWIs for 3 years.

4. Do I have to get insurance to have my license reinstated? Yes, you do.  In North Carolina, you must show proof of insurance first.  A DL-123 form, signed by a license insurance agent provides proof of insurance.

5. Is it possible for me to get reasonably priced insurance after a DWI conviction?  If so, how is that possible?  It is possible to shop around to get better rates for high risk insurance.  Some insurers specialize in insuring “high risk” customers.  These companies will insure people outside of the North Carolina reinsurance facility.  That means that they do not cede it to the pool.  Instead they voluntarily insure the person outside of the “high risk” pool.  This allows them to be flexible in the rates that they charge their customers.  This means that you can shop around to determine which insurer can give you the best rate.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about your DWI charge, please call our law firm to discuss your questions.  If you have questions about premiums for a person who has been convicted of DWI, then you can talk to agents about whether they would be able to insure you, and for what price.  Remember, some companies are willing to insure people convicted of DWI for much lower rates than others.