Whether your state calls this serious offense driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while impaired (OWI) or operating under the influence (OUI), if you are convicted of any of those offenses, chances are your insurance rates will increase by a decent amount. State laws and insurance company rating systems vary but if you are convicted of drunk driving, your auto insurance premiums can double, and in some states, even triple.

In most states, to get your driver's license and privileges back after a DWI conviction you will have to provide the licensing agency with an SR-22 form, which proves that you have motor vehicle liability insurance. Under SR-22 laws, the insurance company is required to notify the licensing agency, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if the policy is canceled, terminated or lapses.

Again, laws vary from state to state, but generally a drunk driving conviction will affect your insurance status for at least three years but if your state laws allow an insurance company to have a longer "look back" period for an auto insurance provider it may affect your rates for 5 or even 7 years.

Many states now have drunk driving laws that provide enhanced penalties for special circumstances, such as if someone was injured or killed, if a child was in the vehicle, if your blood alcohol concentration exceeded a certain level or if you were under the age of 21 at the time of your arrest. With enhanced penalties and convictions you may pay even higher insurance rates since you seem even more of a risk to a car insurance company.

Rates go up for drivers convicted of serious offenses such as a DWI since you are now considered a must bigger risk to an insurance company. Driving while impaired is dangerous and statistics show that accidents with a drunk driver are usually more serious and thus if you have shown this behavior to the insurer they will raise your rates to try and cover your risk as a driver.

SO a DUI affects what insurance companies charge you for insurance because they may consider you a higher risk driver. Some insurance companies may not even insure you if you have a DUI on your record. This is especially true if you need to file a SR-22 since not all insurance companies file this certificate of financial responsibility.

If your insurance company will continue to insure you with the DUI on your record the insurance premium rate increase will probably take place at your next renewal period when your insurance company checks your motor vehicle record (MVR) and sees this serious (major) offense listed. The amount of time for the increased premium will again depend upon state laws or the insurance companies own rating guidelines. As we mentioned early it can affect you for 3, 5 or 7 years typically or as long as the violation is on your DMV record if state insurance laws allow it.

With a DUI conviction insurance rates tend to increase quite a bit and you will likely now be classified as a high risk driver. Colorado's DOT notes that your auto insurance (if it is not canceled) could go up as much as 30 percent. The amount of the premium increase will depend upon your insurance company's rating system.

Having a DWI negatively affects you and puts you in the higher risk category with auto insurance companies, which means your rates could increase and remain higher several years after you receive a DUI. If your insurance does increase to an unmanageable amount or you are unable to find insurance than you can click here to get an auto insurance quote for your needs.