Every day countless accidents occur on the road. Some of them are caused by simple things such as driving too fast, texting, or changing lanes, one should therefore be careful while driving and should avoid distractions because sometimes small mistakes cost you a lot. One of the most common accidents, and the most serious, is driving under the influence, or DUI.
California has strict laws regarding vehicle insurance. If a driver is convicted of a DUI charge, one can still drive but only under a special California insurance law. After receiving a DUI, one must obtain a "California Proof of Financial Responsibility" certificate, also known as an SR-22, through a local insurance provider such as American TriStar Insurance. One must have this SR-22 certificate to obtain a regular or occupational driver's license.
There are three different types of SR-22 certificates, each of which pertains to a specific circumstance. The three include coverage when driving a non-owned vehicle, driving your own vehicle, and driving another's vehicle with permission. If for any reason your SR-22 certificate is cancelled or no longer valid, the Department of Motor Vehicles must be notified. Should this happen, it is possible to obtain another certificate through CAARP (California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan). Unfortunately in some states, high-risk insurance must be carried for a minimum of three years (with a clean record) to remove the need for an SR-22 certificate.
When convicted of a DUI charge, the legal court system requires a person to pay for their actions. Consequences one will have to face may include an alcohol-monitoring leg bracelet, alcohol education and treatment classes, license reinstatement fees and a large number of other financial costs. The regular cost of your auto insurance monthly premiums will also increase. Some insurance companies will drop you as client if you are charged with a DUI. However at TriStar, our Chula Vista Auto Insurance covers every driver, no matter what their past record may say.
Driving under the influence not only endangers the life of you and your passengers but also everyone else on the road as well. Many times after a DUI accident, there is loss of life or months of medical treatment and rehabilitation one will have to go through. The dangers that come with driving under the influence are too great to take, so why risk it. Contact your local agency today if you have any questions about driving under the influence and how to prevent it.