DUI in West Virginia: Who Will Insure You

WV & OH ONLY

WV & OH ONLY

"I got a DUI in West Virginia. Is my insurance going to drop me, and who will insure me now?"

I know you've got a lot on your plate right now.

Yes, you can generally still get car insurance after a DUI in West Virginia, though fewer companies will want to write you and the price will be higher. Your current company can cancel a policy over a DUI conviction under state law, so don't assume you're still covered. Call us and we'll find out who'll take you.

I wish I could make this simpler and cheaper for you. We'll work to find you the best rate we can.

A DUI is one of those things companies see very differently. We can go through 13 companies, so you aren't getting told no one call at a time.

I won't pretend this is purely educational. I want to earn your business. It's a bad week, and this is one part of it I can take off your list.

Yes. West Virginia Code 33-6A-1 lists a conviction for driving under the influence during the policy period among the reasons a company can cancel. A license suspension or revocation is on that list too, including one for refusing a chemical test.

If you get a notice, it has to come with 30 days' warning and a written explanation of the specific reason. You also have the right to ask the insurance commissioner for a hearing within 45 days after the notice is mailed.

West Virginia Code 17C-5-2 sets the penalties. For a first offense:

• Impaired driving under 0.15: license revoked for six months, or for a period tied to the test and lock program.
• 0.15 or more: license revoked for one year, or for a period tied to the program.

Repeat offenses, injuries and other facts change this, sometimes a great deal. Talk to an attorney about your own case.

It's the DMV's Motor Vehicle Alcohol and Drug Test and Lock Program. The statute has its own rules about who qualifies, so check with the DMV.

The WV DMV says all DUI offenders must complete an educational component and a substance abuse evaluation or assessment to have their license reinstated. Some people have more to do than that. Confirm your full list with the DMV.

If it's registered, yes. The WV DMV says all registered vehicles must be insured. Losing your license doesn't change that, and letting the policy go can add a second problem to the first. Call us before you cancel anything.

Yes, and tell us before we quote you. An application with the wrong answer can cost you the policy. We've heard it all, and nobody here is judging you.

1. Read every letter from the court and the DMV.

2. Keep your registered vehicles insured.

3. Call us, and we'll check who'll write you.

WV & OH ONLY

Next in the series: Part 40, Does West Virginia Require an SR-22?