Insurance companies base their rates on calculated risk – an increased risk of getting into an accident or having a car stolen all cause insurance rates to increase. Unfortunately, a Florida drunk driving conviction usually prompts a motorist’s insurance company to substantially raise a driver’s rates, or even cancel the policy altogether.

Drivers arrested for DUI / DWI in Florida often wonder whether they should report the arrest to their insurance company immediately. However, drivers are under no obligation to report an arrest if no conviction has occurred. A Florida attorney who focuses on defending drinking and driving cases can advise drivers on how to best communicate with an insurance company after a DUI / DWI arrest.

Unfortunately, large insurance companies typically move to cancel a DUI driver’s policy immediately after learning of a drunk driving conviction. A noted exception is 21st Century Insurance. 21st Century insurance can provide drivers arrested or convicted of DUI / DWI with a free, no-obligation quote.

A DUI / DWI conviction also means that the driver must file an SR-22 form, or formal certificate of insurance. The SR-22 requirement also must be fulfilled if the driver loses his or her license through a DMV administrative hearing. SR-22 forms are used only by DUI / DWI drivers, so requesting one from an insurance company raises a red flag to the insurance company.