A DUI charge in Colorado carries serious consequences – not just legally but also in terms of your driving record and insurance. If you’re convicted of a DUI, the effects can be long-lasting, impacting everything from your ability to drive legally to the cost of your auto insurance.
Understanding these impacts is crucial for anyone facing DUI charges or wanting to avoid them. This blog post will explore how a DUI affects your Colorado driving record and insurance rates and what steps you can take to mitigate these effects.
DUI and Your Colorado Driving Record
When you are convicted of a DUI in Colorado, it results in an automatic entry on your driving record. This entry is significant for several reasons:
Points on Your License. A DUI conviction in Colorado typically adds 12 points to your driving record. Since the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a point system where accumulating too many points within a certain period can lead to suspending your driver’s license, a DUI can quickly push you over the threshold. For example, your license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months.
License Suspension. Beyond the points, a DUI conviction often leads to an automatic license suspension, regardless of your point total. For a first DUI offense, the suspension is typically nine months, but this can increase with subsequent offenses. Driving with a suspended license can lead to further legal trouble, including additional fines and penalties.
SR-22 Requirement. After a DUI conviction, Colorado law requires you to obtain SR-22 insurance and a certificate of financial responsibility. This is a special kind of insurance policy that acts as proof to the DMV that you have the minimum required liability coverage. The SR-22 must be maintained for a minimum of three years following your DUI conviction, and failing to maintain it can result in additional license suspensions.
Permanent Record. In Colorado, a DUI conviction remains on your driving record permanently. Unlike some states, Colorado does not allow for the expungement of DUI convictions, meaning they cannot be removed or sealed. This permanent record can have lasting consequences, affecting your ability to secure specific jobs – particularly those involving driving.
DUI and Your Auto Insurance in Colorado
The impact of a DUI on your auto insurance can be both immediate and severe. Here’s how a DUI conviction affects your insurance in Colorado:
Increased Premiums. One of the most immediate effects of a DUI conviction is a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which means they will charge you considerably more for coverage. On average, a DUI conviction can increase your insurance rates by 50% to 80%, depending on the insurer and your driving history.
Policy Cancellation. Some insurance companies may cancel your policy after a DUI conviction. While not all insurers will drop you, those that do may leave you scrambling to find new coverage, often at a much higher cost.
SR-22 Filing. As mentioned earlier, Colorado requires drivers convicted of a DUI to file an SR-22 form. This requirement is a red flag to insurers; not all insurance companies are willing to provide SR-22 coverage, and those that do often charge significantly higher rates. The SR-22 requirement remains for three years, but the increased rates can last longer.
Limited Coverage Options. After a DUI, your options for insurance coverage may become limited. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and offer policies with restrictive terms, higher deductibles, and fewer benefits. Finding a reputable insurer that offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price can be challenging after a DUI.
Mitigating the Impact of a Denver DUI on Your Driving Record and Insurance
While the consequences of a DUI in Colorado are serious, there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact.
If you are facing DUI charges, hiring an experienced DUI attorney is crucial. An attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal, reduce your charges, or even get your case dismissed, which could minimize the impact on your driving record and insurance.
In some cases, attending a driving school or DUI education program can help reduce points on your license or show the court and your insurer that you are taking steps to rehabilitate. This can sometimes lead to lower insurance rates or a reduced suspension period.
Shopping around is essential if your insurance company raises your rates or cancels your policy after a DUI. Different insurers assess risk differently, and you may be able to find a company that offers better rates, even with a DUI on your record.
After a DUI, it’s crucial to avoid any further violations. Maintaining a clean driving record and demonstrating responsible driving behavior can gradually help reduce your insurance rates.
A Colorado DUI conviction has far-reaching consequences beyond legal penalties, significantly affecting your driving record and auto insurance. This is why it is so important to fight back if you find yourself charged. There are several possible defense strategies that an experienced Denver criminal lawyer may be able to use to minimize the consequences you face, but only if you get in touch.
About the Author:
Kimberly Diego is a criminal defense attorney in Denver practicing at The Law Office of Kimberly Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her law degree at the University of Colorado. She was named one of Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars of 2012 & 2019-2024” and a “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado” for 2012-2024 by The National Trial Lawyers. Both honors are limited to a small percentage of practicing attorneys in each state. Additionally, Expertise names her to its lists of the 25 Best Denver DUI Lawyers and 21 Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers, both in 2020-2024. Ms. Diego has also been recognized for her work in domestic violence cases.
