DUI in Alabama – What Happens To Your Auto Insurance?

April 5 2009 by author in SR22 - DUI Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

What will happen to my auto insurance and what are the penalties if I get convicted of DUI in Alabama?

Jenny

Birmingham AL

Drivers in Alabama should all know that drunk driving is an offense taken very seriously. In fact, most states today have laws that impose heavy penalties, and even the very real possibility of incarceration, for drunk driving or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offenses. Punishments are harder for repeat offenders. If this is your first time to get charged with a DUI, getting the right kind of DUI insurance for you and your vehicle is essential.

Here’s some details about what consequences a DUI offender can expect to face in Alabama:

  • 1st Offense – Fines from $600 – $2,100, possible imprisonment up to one year, drivers license is suspended for a total of 90 days.
  • 2nd Offense – Fines $1,100 to $5,100 or 1 year imprisonment or both, and one year license revocation, if 2nd conviction is within five years after the 1st.
  • 3rd Offense – $2,100 – $10,100 fine, three-year driver’s license suspension and up to one year in prison.
  • 4th Offense – Fines: $4,100 – $10,000, incarceration from one to ten years, 5 year license suspension. The 4th offense treated as a class C felony.

After satisfying your sentence/ conviction, offenders would also require an auto insurance company to file an SR22 form, aside from providing the necessary DUI insurance coverage, to help you get back on the road. Not surprisingly, this special kind of auto insurance can be very expensive, unless you know how to find the right one.

The Internet is a great source and channel for businesses – and the consumers looking for them – offering affordable or reasonably priced DUI insurance coverage in the state of Alabama. With the many online auto insurance portals, anyone can have free access to the latest auto insurance quotes and offers available in the market.

A smart consumer knows that comparing his/her options is the best way to get the DUI insurance coverage best suiting his/her needs. By using online auto insurance portals, you can compare rates from some of the best auto insurance providers a lot faster and easier. Saving you essential time and effort to get your driving again.

Do You Need To Hire an Alabama DWI Attorney?

February 19 2008 by fashun in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

If you choose to hire a Mobile Alabama DWI attorney, you will need to supply them with all of the data that can help them defend you. One of the most important pieces of data is the evidence that exists against you. The level of this evidence can determine just how possible or impossible it will be to get you out of this. There are three levels of evidence.

  • What they see.

If a police officer sees you driving in and out of one lane and another, then that is an indication of drunkenness. Other abnormal driving behavior also fits in this area. Once you are pulled over, they may shine a light in your eye–bloodshot eyes can get you in trouble. If asked to get out, the failure to walk in a straight line can also work against you.

  • What you say and how you say it.

If you say you’ve had 12 beers when they ask you what you’ve had to drink, you’re done. You have the right to remain silent, but if you don’t use it you lose it. Also, strange speech patterns such as mixing up words, forgetting your line of thought, and slurring your speach can work against you.

  • What the meter says.

You may be given a more accurate tests for your BAC, such as a breath or blood test.

Alabama DUI Attorney

August 11 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

Getting caught for drunk driving here in Hoover, Alabama made me feel so angry, ashamed and afraid of what’s gonna happen next. How could I fight this DUI and how could I make sure that I will be treated fairly?

Jadin

Hoover, AL

To make sure that you will be treated fairly on your DUI case in Alabama, you will need a DUI attorney who would protect your rights and knows how to get results-positive results. I totally understand that you are feeling angry, ashamed, afraid and probably confused about what has happened and what’s gonna happen next. The whole process of the DUI arrest, being taken to jail, fingerprinted, and photographed was probably very demoralizing to you.

I have to be honest that you are faced with a charge that could have serious outcomes. I don’t wanna scare you but let me just give you a glimpse of what’s in store for you. You could lose your driver’s license if your DUI case goes wrong, you could also pay fines and other surcharges, your insurance may go up or probably be cancelled and you could even go to jail; and that does not end there. A DUI conviction could haunt you for so many years and it could even hurt you when you apply for a job in the future. So the way to fight this is to hire a DUI attorney who has a lot of experiences in defending DUI cases and has won many DUI cases as well.

DUI Law – Breath Test Refusal Alabama

September 1 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My brother was arrested for DUI in Decatur, Alabama and I understand that the officer had to make sure that my brother understood his right about the breath test. What possible defense could be used with regard to the breath test?

Ben
Decatur, AL

First of all, in a DUI investigation when it comes to breath test, the officer would ask the person suspected for DUI to take the breath test. If the DUI suspect refuses, the officer would then tell the DUI suspect the consequences that he/she might have for refusing to take the breath test. If the person refused to take the breath test, the possible defense that could be used is to force the officer to prove that there was actually sufficient evidence to ask the person to take a breath test. If the person took the breath test, a good DUI lawyer could force the officer to demonstrate that the DUI suspect understood his/her rights concerning the breath test.

In the DUI trial, for example, on your brother’s DUI case in Decatur, Alabama, it would be difficult to prove that the DUI suspect understood his/her rights because on one hand, the person was arrested being impaired by alcohol. And on the other hand, the person was supposed to be sober and coherent enough to fully understand his/her rights.

DUI Arrest in Alabama

September 10 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I have always been curious about DUI and its connection with the Miranda rights during an arrest or DUI investigation. If I’m stopped for DUI in Alabama, how can the police be obligated to read or mention the Miranda Rights to me? Also, could you give me an example of an inconsistency of the police in DUI cases?

Mel

Mobile, AL

As always, the best policy would still be not to drive after consuming alcoholic beverage. If you’re asked to stop for DUI in Mobile, Alabama, stop as soon as possible and just be polite with the police officer. After all, you wouldn’t want any other charge than the main reason for the traffic stop. Regarding your question on the Miranda Rights, police officers are actually under no compulsion to read out the Miranda rights to you during roadside questioning. This means that in a DUI investigation, unless you are already under arrest, police officers are not obligated to read or mention to you your Miranda Rights.

A successful DUI defense could sometimes be made by exploiting lacunae in the arrest procedure or contradictions in the state’s case. Let me now give you an example of an inconsistency of the police in DUI cases, particularly during an arrest. Most of the patrol vehicles that police officers use are fitted with video camera. The police officer may not always refer to the video while making his report about the DUI investigation. This could lead to inconsistencies, which, of course, could be to the defendant’s benefit.

DUI Conviction in Alabama

September 10 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

What are the basic penalties for a DUI conviction here in Alabama and what instances could make the sentence harsher?

Rob

Hoover, AL

For a first-time DUI offense in Alabama, a driver may end up with fines, possible jail time or community service, driver’s license suspension under the DUI laws. The DUI offender may also be asked to compulsorily attend an alcohol education program to avoid further DUI occurrences. In the case of a repeat DUI offender, jail time and hefty fines are ensured. It would also be mandatory to participate in the alcohol abuse program and this time, it would be longer. Furthermore, the driver’s license would also be suspended or revoked and the vehicle would be impounded.

There are also some other things that could make the punishment even harsher. These things include speeding while driving under the influence, if there was a child in the car, a refusal to comply with the tests when asked, accident, injury, damage and loss of life. The higher the blood alcohol content, the greater the penalty under the DUI laws. If the offender is underage and has prior DUI convictions, it could also lead to immense problems.

DUI Lawyer in Alabama

September 13 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My father got arrested for DUI here in Alabama and we are in the process of getting a lawyer? What are the disadvantages of getting a public defender to help my father in his DUI case?

Horace

Birmingham, AL

There could be serious disadvantages in having a public defender in your father’s DUI case in Alabama. First is that you may not qualify financially for the services of a public defender. Another disadvantage is that you can’t choose the public defender because one would be assigned to your father’s DUI case. If the two of them don’t click, the court would rarely allow your father to select a different one. One other thing is that a public defender would not handle the DMV part of your father’s DUI case. This is very important because fighting the DMV part of his DUI case is inextricably tied to fighting the criminal part.

Lastly and probably most importantly, public defenders could rarely devote the sort of time, energy and resources to working up your father’s DUI case that a good private lawyer could. Well, not that the public defender would not like to but the reality is, they have so many cases, pressures and responsibilities that this sort of devotion to any particular DUI case is not a luxury they could afford.

DUI Charges Alabama

September 15 2008 by author in DWI Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I often notice many vehicles that are swerving when I drive here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I was told that this can be a DUI charge for an impaired driver. What are the other DUI cues that police officers often look after in determining drunk drivers?

Lainey

Tuscaloosa, AL

Let’s take a look first at the example of a DUI charge that you have mentioned which is swerving. You might observe that a vehicle to swerve which makes an abrupt turn away from a generally straight course, when a driver realizes that he or she has drifted out of proper lane position, or to avoid a previously-unnoticed hazard.

One other related DUI cue is almost striking a vehicle or other object. You may observe a vehicle, either at slow speeds or moving with traffic, to pass unusually close to a sign, building, barrier or other object. This DUI cue also includes almost striking another vehicle, either parked or moving, and causing another vehicle to maneuver to avoid a collision. Another DUI cue is turning a wide radius or drifting during a curve. A vehicle would appear to be drifting to the outside of the lane, or into another lane, through the curve or while turning a corner. Watch out for this and please stop the driver when you see it A lot of alcohol-related crashes are caused by an expanding turn radius, or drifting out of lane position during a curve.

Got a DUI in Alabama?

September 28 2008 by author in DWI Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I think a friend of mine here in Mobile, Alabama has a drinking problem and it could also turn out to be a drinking and driving problem because he usually drives after having some drinks. Nobody wants him to get a DUI charge, so how do you think can I make him not drive after consuming alcohol?

Danika

Mobile, AL

First of all, if your try to talk to your friend whom you think has a drinking and driving problem, keep things light and avoid arguments and accusations. You can use humor so that you can get your hands on the car keys. This would definitely keep the situation from turning ugly. You might want to sneak the keys away and if all else fails, just take the keys when your friend is not looking. He would probably just think the keys were lost and eventually give up looking.

You may also suggest your friend to attend a treatment program if his drunken driving is already a part of the pattern. The American Council on Alcoholism does offer programs across the US. You should do this when you are both sober, and remember to be a good listener if your friend wants to discuss the problem. Also, if both of you are sober and talk about the problem, you can remind him that if he gets caught drunk driving and be charged with DUI in Alabama, he will be facing a serious charge. A DUI conviction would have harsh legal ramifications and can affect a lot of aspects in his life like being barred entry in some countries, losing job or future job opportunities and having an increased premium rates on auto insurance for so many years.

DUI Car Insurance in Alabama

September 29 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

Would there be a car insurance company willing to provide me coverage for the same rates after my DUI charge here in Birmingham, Alabama? I heard a lot of stories about some people who got DUI that they really had a hard time getting insured.

Freya

Birmingham, AL

I have to be honest with you that you would have a hard time finding a car insurance company that will give you coverage for the same rates that you have now after being charged with DUI in Alabama. Since the case is still ongoing and you’re not convicted for DUI, you may opt not to inform your current car insurance company about it. But if you get convicted for DUI, it can’t be missed because you would have to request an SR22 insurance from them. You wouldn’t have to make up story but rather present yourself as a sober person willing to change.

You may want to join a rehabilitation course and try to get rid of your drinking habit. If you produce a rehab certificate, this could encourage the insurance company to give you the SR22 insurance coverage. Also, you have to refrain from being a designated driver when with colleagues or friends while visiting a bar or a night club. This would be most helpful in avoiding a second DUI as prevention is still better than cure. Lastly, don’t exhaust all your efforts finding the right car insurance elsewhere because I believe you can find it right from this website so get an online rate quote now.

SR22 Auto Insurance in Alabama

October 10 2008 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My cousin who moved from another state was required to get something like SR22 insurance here in Alabama. Why is this required and what does this have to do with his auto insurance?

Candy

Dothan, AL

The SR22 auto insurance is a form that is compelled by the court as a proof of financial responsibility for people who are convicted of certain traffic offenses such as DUI. The SR22 should be filed by the car insurance carrier and this states that a certain person has an auto liability insurance. An SR22 is needed if insurance is given to a person who got into an accident or if the person has a conviction for a traffic violation and was not able to show financial responsibility. Every state, however, has different requirements to be able to get the SR22 auto insurance.

If your cousin has SR22 auto insurance in a different state and moved to Alabama or was required to get it in Alabama, he should accomplish the SR22 filing period on his previous state, even though he is no longer residing there. Moreover, his auto insurance policy in the state of Alabama should have liability limits that meet the required minimums by law in his previous state.

DUI Effects On Auto Insurance

August 1 2009 by author in DUI lawyer Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

How bad is it gonna be the effect on my auto insurance here in Alabama if I get convicted of drunk driving or DUI?

Harvir

Dothan, AL

DUI can greatly affect your auto insurance in Alabama as your rates can go up by a considerable amount. DUI Law and the ratings systems of auto insurance companies in your state may be different from other states but if you get convicted for DUI, your auto insurance payment could double. Also, you can only get your driver’s license back after your DUI conviction if your auto insurance provider has presented the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you have the required SR22 form.

As already mentioned, DUI laws vary from one state to another, but in general, a DUI conviction would have an effect on your auto insurance for at least three years. However, if the DUI Law in your state lets an auto insurance provider to have a longer ‘look back’ period, it could have an effect on your auto insurance premiums for five or even seven years.

Your auto insurance rates will only be affected if you get convicted for DUI since you will already be considered as higher risk by auto insurance companies. Some insurers may not even cover you if you already have a DUI conviction on your record. Aside from the higher risk that you have to them, some of them do not offer SR22 so you have to switch to an insurer that offers this.

How to Pick the Best Car Insurance Company

July 31 2009 by author in Alabama Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

The nature of my job makes it impossible for me to spend too much time with a broker or calling up car insurance agents. But I still want to find a good car insurance provider. Am I reaching for the stars here?

Stefan

Mobile, AL

Like the saying goes “time is gold” and in times like these our time is just as important as our money. The good news is that the Internet can definitely help you find the best car insurance company quickly and easily. Here’s how:

1. Rating Agencies – You’ve probably of names like Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, J.D. Power, and A.M. Best. These are independent rating entities that, in a nutshell, tell you which are the best-overall companies (and which ones belong to the rest). They usually publish this kind of information for free online. This is one good way to find the best online car insurance company.

2. Insurance Comparison Portals – These are websites that allow you to run a free insurance quote check. You get access to the latest rates in the market, and are able to compare more insurers quickly and effectively. This is an excellent way to maximize your chances of finding the companies that have the most-competitive deals.

3. Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Want to find out about the business track records of the car insurers you’re interested in? The BBB can give you valuable insights as a consumer regarding this. Their website contains a wealth of information about the good (and not so good) businesses out there.

4. State Department of Insurance – You want to check out your state’s Department of Insurance website (Yes, you’re state has one, just Google it). This will help you not only find out which companies are available in your area, but will also point out any state minimum requirements that you should know before purchasing a car insurance policy.

Required Auto Insurance In Alabama – What Do You Need?

June 25 2009 by author in Alabama Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My dad bought me a car yesterday. I would like to know the auto insurance rules in Alabama before I purchase a policy.

Beth

Mobile, AL

Owning a car is equated to a financial obligation because you are required to carry proof of financial responsibility. This rule can be burdensome because every month, a large chunk of your money will be taken away by the auto insurance company. Auto insurance however is not really an expense but a good deal of investment for you.

The minimum required auto insurance in Alabama are:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000/$50,000
  • Property Damage Liability: $25,000

It is highly recommended that the insured purchase auto insurance in Alabama, or in any other states, more than the minimum.

Auto insurance in Alabama suggests additional coverage other than liability insurance. Collision and comprehensive coverage, for example, pays the cost of the damage in your own vehicle. If the cause of the damage was due to an animal that you hit when it immediately crossed the road, collision and comprehensive will still cover the cost of vehicle repair. This is because the incident is beyond the control of the driver.

Uninsured/underinsured policy are additional coverage but these are not required by the states.

DUI Arrest In Alabama – What Will Happen To My Now?

April 14 2009 by author in DWI Alabama |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I got charged a DUI here in Alabama, what’s going to happen now? I hope you can give me some information since this is the first time this has happened to me! Thanks!

Cheryl

Huntsville, AL

Every driver in Alabama should know that DUI or Driving Under the Influence is a very serious offense. Most states today, in fact, have put in place laws heavily penalizing drunk driving offenders with costly fines, suspension of driving privileges, and even jail time. Penalties become much more severe for repeat offenders. Getting the right kind of DUI insurance coverage is essential to be allowed to drive again after a DUI.

First, some facts about DUI penalties in the state of Alabama:

  • $600 – $2,100 fine, up to one-year incarceration, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension for first-time DUI offenders.
  • $1,100 to $5,100 fine or one year in prison or both, and one year license suspension if the second DUI offense was within five years after the first.
  • $2,100 – $10,000 fine, license suspension for the next three years, and one year in prison for the third DUI offense.
  • $4,100 – $10,000 fine, jail time from one to ten yeas, license suspension for the next five years and the fourth DUI offense will be treated by the state as a class C felony.

Once you are allowed to drive again, getting an auto insurance provider to file an SR22 form and give you the appropriate DUI insurance policy should be top priority. Auto insurance for DUI offenders tend to be very expensive; unless you know how, and where to find the best ones.

This is where the Internet becomes the best tool and resource that one can have when it comes to looking for the right DUI insurance policy. With many businesses offering DUI auto insurance rates, coverage and services online, it only takes a few minutes for anyone to compare offers and find the most affordable DUI auto insurance available.

The best way to find a DUI insurance provider, offering the right policy at the right price, is to compare your options. Online DUI auto insurance portals can do this easily, effectively, and absolutely for free! So save time and effort and get yourself back on the road immediately.

Cheap Liability Auto Insurance In Alabama

February 20 2009 by author in Liability Only Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I’m looking into going with another car insurance company here in Alabama because they say that I’d be able to save that way. Also, could you give me some other ways on how to get cheap liability insurance?

Saul

Birmingham, AL

Switching car insurance companies is one of the recommended ways on how to get cheap liability insurance, most especially if you have not filed a claim with your current car insurance carrier. If you decide to do this, all you need to do is to inform your car insurance company about it. You have to cancel your old car insurance policy on the same day that you go with another company. However, don’t cancel your old car insurance policy if you don’t have a new car insurance plan yet. This is very crucial because some states would charge you some fines for the number of days that you don’t have insurance.

Bear in mind that most car insurance companies could terminate your plan whenever you like by notifying them in writing specifying the date you’d like to terminate your policy or you could do it by calling them on the phone.

To make sure that you get cheap liability insurance in Alabama, choose the insurance payment plan that best fits your budget. A number of car insurance companies would let you pay over time but it would be more than what you have to pay had you chosen to pay on an annual basis. You would have to pay a few dollars everytime you make a payment through an installment plan. Car insurance companies have payment plans on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, whichever is most convenient for you.

Rental Car Insurance in Alabama – Do You Need It?

December 11 2008 by author in Rental Car Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I heard about these waivers from a rental vehicle company here in Alabama, are these waivers the same as auto insurance?

Harris

Dothan, AL

Rental vehicle companies provide a lot of different kinds of car insurance and waivers that widen your liability coverage and that could ease you the accountability of making a payment for a ruined rental vehicle. Loss damage waivers (LDW) as well as collision damage waivers (CDW) that are being offered by the rental vehicle company more or less substitute the collision and comprehensive coverage of your car insurance policy in Alabama. These waivers will have you excused if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen. Several LDW’s involve the CDW and a number of waivers oblige you to pay a deductible, similar to your collision and comprehensive coverage.

These waivers from the rental car company are not insurance and for these to be real insurance, you need to buy them from a car insurance provider. This alternative is not sold by an insurer but it would be the rental vehicle company’s form of collision and comprehensive coverage. The price for these waivers would be $7 to $25 per day and it depends on the rental vehicle company and the type of vehicle that you rent. Furthermore, a good number of rental vehicle companies sell “personal effects” coverage to protect your personal properties that could be robbed from the rental car.

Car Insurance Rate Quotes in Alabama For New Cars

December 5 2008 by author in Insurance For New Cars |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I have already decided which car to purchase but I also need to make sure that I know all the things I need to know about car insurance. What are the steps that I need to take to make sure that I have low-cost premiums for my new car insurance here in Alabama?

Ahmad

Montgomery, AL

Aside from shopping around to get low-cost premiums for your new car insurance in Alabama, there certain things you also need to do. These include:

Making sure that Your Policy is Up to Date
You may have recently moved, a newlywed, or it has already been no less than three years since you committed your last traffic infraction. If any of these situations apply to you, make sure that you check with your car insurance provider because you could be qualified for a discount on your premiums.

Knowing the Type of Car to Buy
Prior to buying your new vehicle, find out how much it would cost to insure that vehicle. Normally, smaller vehicles that have lower horsepower cost less to insure.

Knowing if Excess Coverage is Necessary
A lot of car insurance providers offer you optional coverage such as rental coverage and this would pay for a rental vehicle while your automobile is being repaired. Although circumstances and charges differ from each car insurance provider, you may not need this kind of coverage if you could find other means of transportation.

Raising Your Deductible
Increasing your deductible can lessen your comprehensive and collision charges by 15 to 20%. You car insurance agent could demonstrate to you how increasing your deductible could lessen your insurance rates.

Asking for Discounts
You may inquire with your insurance agent if you may be eligible for some kind of discounts such as installing safety devices and for being a good driver.

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Drunk Driver Insurance in Alabama After A DUI Conviction

December 5 2008 by author in SR22 - DUI Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My brother has just gotten his driver’s license back after his DUI conviction here in Alabama. I see that he’s so worried about his auto insurance because he said that it will increase tremendously, is this true?

Nate

Mobile, AL

Well, if there is one thing that can make an auto insurance premium rise through the ceiling, it would be a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. Apart from the risk of causing injury or death to yourself and others, drunk driving has severe consequences from your auto insurance provider.

Car insurance providers could review your motor vehicle record (MVR) only once in three years or at the time of application for a new car insurance policy. There is a possibility that accidents, tickets and drunk driving convictions will not pass their way to your brother’s official MVR. But in the event that his auto insurance provider in Alabama finds out about his DUI and tags him as a high risk driver, he still has the option to shop around for auto insurance because premiums differ widely among car insurance providers.

Then again, a premium increase could be the least of your brother’s difficulties because his car insurance could be terminated or not be renewed, especially if he is in a preferred rate class at the moment. Then he would be pushed to find new auto insurance coverage with two unpleasant conditions with him — his DUI conviction and car insurance policy cancellation under his belt.

Auto Accident in Alabama What Do You Do Now?

November 28 2008 by author in SR22 - DUI Insurance |Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I probably just have to go directly to the auto insurance company of the guy who smashed into my car here in Alabama. Since I wasn’t the one who caused the accident, can I possibly do that?

Adriano

Huntsville, AL

I presume that you got all the information of the guy who smashes into your car in Alabama, including his auto insurance company’s name, a phone number you could call to reach them and their address. If so, you are ready to be a third-party claimant since it is not going to be your own auto insurance provider whom you are filing the claim with. This may cause you less trouble that being a first-party claimant since you don’t have any responsibility to that auto insurance provider. They could not order to whom they pay the funds since they don’t have a policy agreement with you. The auto insurance companies pay the claimant directly in majority of third-party claims.

In case your car has been declared a total loss, the other driver’s insurer would probably pay only you. Needless to say, in case you have a financed car, it would be your obligation to assure your lender that they get what you owe them. Being familiar with the procedures of filing a claim could help speed up the repair of your vehicle and reduce any surprises.

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