I recently received a DUI (first offense) in Wisconsin. My license was immediately suspended. Can I still be covered by an insurance company with a suspended license? If an insurance company finds out about the DUI, how much does rates increase?

In Wisconsin the penalties for operating while intoxicated (OWI) can include forfeiture of vehicle and license revocation for a first time offense, to up to 6 years imprisonment, 3 year license revocation and possible seizure of vehicle for subsequent offenses. Additionally, more severe penalties apply if injury or death results.

The Wisconsin driver's manual states that when you are arrested for driving with alcohol or drugs in your system you will get fined, lose your license and be required to talk to someone at an alcohol and drug center and possibly go to jail. If you are convicted of an OWI you will be required to contact an approved assessment facility within 72 hours of conviction.

If your license is only suspended for a short period of time than your insurance may continue but if it is going to be suspended or revoked for an extended period of time than your insurance company may cancel your policy. Insurance companies' guidelines differ on how they handle a policyholder with a suspended license so you may need to check with your provider to see if they will cancel your policy if you do not have a valid license.

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With a DUI conviction insurance rates tend to increase quite a bit. The amount of the premium increase will depend upon your insurance company's rating system. If your insurance does increase to an unmanageable amount, click here to get a car insurance quote for Green Bay, or any other, Wisconsin city.