Yes, your partner‘s DUI can affect your car insurance rates, especially if you share a policy, live at the same address, or if they drive your vehicle.
If you’re wondering, “Will my partner’s DUI affect my car insurance rates?”, it’s important to understand how that may influence your coverage and costs—even if you weren’t the one behind the wheel. Learn more here, then contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer today.
Shared Policies Mean Shared Risk
If you and your partner are on the same auto insurance policy, a DUI on their record will almost certainly increase your premiums. That’s because insurers consider everyone listed on the policy when evaluating risk.
A driver with a DUI is seen as high-risk, and that risk is shared across the policy. Even if your driving record is spotless, your insurance provider may raise the total premium to account for your partner’s violation.
All Licensed Household Members Are Considered
Even if your partner isn’t listed on your car insurance policy, insurers still care about who lives in your household. Most companies require you to list all licensed drivers residing in your home—even if they don’t drive your car regularly.
If your partner has a DUI and lives with you, the insurance company might require them to be included on the policy or formally excluded in writing. If they’re included, your rates could go up. If they’re excluded, it means they aren’t allowed to drive your car under any circumstances, or your insurance won’t cover an accident.
If They Drive Your Car—Your Risk Increases
If your partner occasionally drives your car and they have a DUI on their record, it’s crucial to know that your insurance could be liable for any incident that occurs while they’re behind the wheel. Insurance follows the car—not just the driver.
So even if they aren’t on your policy, if they cause an accident in your vehicle, your insurance might be responsible for covering the damages. That risk may cause your insurer to raise your rates preemptively or even cancel your policy if they see continued exposure to high-risk drivers.
Adding a High-Risk Driver to Your Policy
When you officially add a partner with a DUI to your car insurance policy, expect a substantial rate increase. Insurance companies typically view DUIs as one of the most serious violations.
Depending on the insurer and the state you’re in, your premium could double or even triple. In some cases, your insurer may refuse to continue coverage altogether, forcing you to seek high-risk or specialty insurance carriers.
Impact Depends on Timing and Severity
Not all DUIs are treated the same. If your partner’s DUI happened many years ago and their driving record has been clean since, the impact on your insurance may be less severe. Insurance companies typically weigh recent violations more heavily.
A DUI from five years ago might not affect your premium nearly as much as one that occurred last year. In addition, the circumstances of the DUI—such as blood alcohol content, whether an accident was involved, or whether it was a repeat offense—can influence the level of risk the insurer assigns to your partner.
Driving Records Are Routinely Reviewed
Many insurers periodically check the driving records of everyone on a policy. If your partner’s DUI occurred after you already had a joint policy, you may not see an immediate change.
However, when your policy is up for renewal, the insurer may review all drivers’ records and adjust the premium accordingly. If they discover a new DUI, they could increase your rates, adjust coverage, or even deny renewal.
SR-22 Requirements and Their Effects
If your partner is required to file an SR-22—a certificate of financial responsibility often mandated after a DUI—the insurance company may require your entire policy to meet those standards, especially if you’re on a shared policy.
SR-22s usually mean the insurer must file proof of coverage with the state, which typically comes with added administrative costs and higher premiums. Some companies may not even offer SR-22 filings, meaning you’d need to switch providers.
Options for Mitigating the Impact
There are ways to potentially limit how much your partner’s DUI affects your insurance:
- Exclude your partner from your policy: You can formally exclude your partner from driving your insured vehicle. This must be done in writing, and it means your insurer won’t cover any accidents if they drive your car.
- Keep separate insurance policies: If possible, maintain separate policies to limit shared risk. However, some insurers may still assess household risk when setting your premium.
- Shop around: Different insurers evaluate risk differently. If your current provider raises your rates, you may find a better offer from a company more forgiving of a partner’s DUI history.
- Take advantage of discounts: Safe driving courses, low mileage, or bundling policies may help offset rate increases caused by your partner’s DUI.
- Improve credit and maintain a clean record: Some insurers consider your credit score and driving record. Keeping these strong can help stabilize your rates even if your partner’s DUI is a factor.
When It’s Time to Talk to a Professional
Facing the world of auto insurance after a DUI—whether it’s your own or your partner’s—can be overwhelming. Insurers may not always be transparent about what’s impacting your rate, and it can be hard to understand your options or legal rights.
A qualified DUI attorney can help you understand how a DUI conviction affects your insurance, driving privileges, and even your employment.
Get Connected With an Experienced DUI Lawyer Today
In summary, yes, your partner’s DUI can affect your car insurance rates, especially if you live together, share a vehicle, or have a joint insurance policy. The financial consequences can be significant, but there are strategies to help manage the impact.
Still, dealing with the fallout of a DUI isn’t something you have to do alone. Let us at Los Angeles DUI Attorney connect you with an experienced legal professional today who can guide you through your options and help protect your rights and finances. For more information, visit our FAQ page.
