For numerous people, the effects of a conviction for a DUI or DWI never seem to cause them to face reality until it hits them where it hurts—in their pockets. Or course, sometimes that doesn't even make a difference because in many causes, if you keep your insurance up to date, there is never a need for the insurance company to check your driving record, and many don't unless you give them cause to do so.

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Getting in an Accident

On the other hand, if you are involved in an accident and cited for DUI/DWI as a direct or contributing factor, it will definitely make a difference in your premiums. Even if you think that not reporting the accident will give you leeway, you have to keep in mind that the only way that will happen is if your vehicle was the only one damaged, and you don't file a claim.

However, if you are involved in an accident with another car or person (pedestrian), their insurance will contact your insurance, and when your insurance company receives the police report, they will see that there was alcohol or drugs that caused or contributed to the accident.

Letting Your Insurance Lapse

If your insurance lapses at any time, or you attempt to apply for insurance with another carrier, you will also be subject to a check of your motor vehicle report. This information will be used by the underwriting department to set a rate for your policy or in the determination of providing coverage.

Keep in mind that even though insurance companies have to provide coverage to everyone, that does not mean necessarily that every major insurance company has to cover you. There are pools that many companies have that are called "risk insurance," where a company may send you if you are a new driver or pose a risk for other reasons.

This coverage is quite high, sometimes double or triple of what you can get through a major carrier. For someone who is convicted of a DUI/DWI, this is the only way you are going to obtain auto insurence once that information is on your driving record. You will pay an even higher premium if you lose your license for your conviction.

Making an Effort

Going to a First Offenders' program only works to help you keep your license, it does not prevent the information from appearing on your driving record. In addition, even if you lose your license, you may be required to complete the program before you can have your license back.

If you think waiting it out for the three years until it is off your driving record will prevent you from having to pay high premiums, think again. Although that may be true if you don't lose your license, but know that that your insurance company will check your driving record because you let your coverage lapse or you change companies, you will be treated as a new driver no matter what your age. It's a very high price to pay, so if you want to drink, don't drive. Always have a designated driver when you are drinking, and you will save thousands of dollars a year in auto insurance.

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