Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many reasons. One of the effects of driving under the influence that many people don't realize involves your car insurance. If you're covered by a policy at the time you're convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase dramatically, or your policy may be canceled at the end of its contract. If you aren't covered at the time of a DUI conviction, you may find it difficult securing future coverage.

Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll also describe the purpose of an SR-22. Finally, we'll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event you're caught driving under the influence.

The Purpose Of An SR-22

Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. You'll likely be required to file an SR-22 if you're caught and convicted of a DUI. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a statement that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is usually returned when this statement is filed.

Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local DMV. By charging much higher premiums, some car insurance carriers will offer special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers. Other insurers do not offer insurance to "high risk" driver's and will typically cancel a "high risk" driver's policy.

Remaining Under The Radar

For years, there's a been a bit of a disconnect between the some court systems and some local departments of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. A driver can in effect avoid filing an SR-22 if for some reason the DUI offense is not reported to the driver's local DMV. If this is the case, the driver's alcohol-related offense may not be discovered by his car insurance company. Though this happens quite frequently, many providers learn of a policyholder's DUI years later and raise the premiums accordingly.

Don't Wait To Shop Around

A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If you find that your current insurer is canceling your policy, it may be because they have found about your DUI conviction. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.

It's easier to find an insurer willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy if you're already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established carriers are unwilling to insure you, check with the independent agents in your area.

Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead

Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. Basically, a Driving Under the Influence conviction limits your options severely. But, don't let that dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. If the Department of Motor Vehicles has your DUI in their records, paying higher premiums for your policy is pretty much inevitable. But, the alternative - driving without coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.

While a DUI conviction may stay on your record for 10 years, auto insurance companies usually only use it for calculating your premium for about 3 years, sometimes less. Know your options, plan ahead and work toward putting the experience behind you.

Kade Phillips
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/car-insurance-and-driving-under-the-influence-not-a-good-mix-657867.html

One of the most prevalent worries in the forefront of many people's minds during a move is what to do if they get taken for a ride. It is common to hear about families who have lost everything to a well executed moving scam. With so many different interstate movers in the industry, it can be quite hard to wade through the scamming companies and then through the substandard companies to come out with a short list of only the best companies in the business. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself.

Check and Verify

When looking at interstate movers, you should always be sure to check everything. Each moving company should have license numbers, DOT numbers, and references. Any good company should be happy and willing to provide these numbers to you upon request, and you should be sure to follow up on them. Contact the references and ask about the service, punctuality, price, and overall job. Call the Better Business Bureau and make sure there are no complaints against the company. Verify that the licenses are all legal and that everything is up to date an in order.

Ask the Right Questions

You should always contact the interstate movers on your short list before you even think about hiring them. Knowing what to ask is an important factor in getting the information that you need to make sure the company is a good one. Make sure that you ask about the information mentioned above as well as the type of contract and estimate that they offer. Always look for binding quotes, as these price estimates cannot be jacked up later when your items are to be delivered. Make sure that the company knows the laws like you do. Many companies will even give out a pamphlet to all customers to make sure that all rights and responsibilities are met on both sides of the fence.

Know what to do

Even after doing all of the research, it is possible to run into trouble. Knowing how to handle the situation is just as important as any other aspect of your move. You might find a scam on your hands if the moving company arrives at your new home and asks for more money, especially in cash. Reacting fast is an important part of knowing what to do, and you should not meet the demands of the drivers. Instead, call the police immediately and note plate numbers, names, and any other prevalent information.

Keep Yourself Covered

In the end, you may still meet with some form of a moving scam. It is vital to keep yourself covered in case something like this should happen. Consider finding a different way to move any items that insurance cannot ultimately replace, and then get insurance to cover anything else you are moving. Various different companies offer different policies for all kinds of needs. Make sure to discuss your needs with the agent before choosing a plan. Remember, it needs to cover a total loss in the worst case scenario.

Keep these tips in mind in order to guide you in your quest for the perfect interstate movers for your move. If nothing else, you will always know how to react in the event of a moving scam. Finally, insurance will allow you to replace things should you end up with a worst case event.

Jennifer Strong
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/hire-good-interstate-movers-to-avoid-moving-scams-and-problems-698513.html