New Hampshire’s laws against driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) impose several penalties on people who are convicted of drunk driving. The difficulties a New Hampshire driver faces when convicted, however, don’t stop at jail time, a fine, or a license suspension. After an NH drunk driving conviction, your car insurance rates may also go up – if your insurance company doesn’t cancel your policy altogether.
According to Insure.com, insurance companies often check driver’s records once every one to three years. A DWI conviction that appears on your record may cause insurers to think of you as a higher “risk” and raise your rates accordingly. At the same time, shopping for a new insurance policy with a lower price can be difficult, because a new insurer will almost certainly want to see your driving record before offering you insurance.
In addition, Insure.com notes that drivers who come from states that require SR-22s after a DWI conviction almost always have more trouble getting insurance than drivers who come from states that don’t require an SR-22. An SR-22 is an official document that proves you have liability insurance to cover you if you’re in an accident. Many states, including New Hampshire, require an SR-22 for a driver convicted of DWI to get his or her license back. An SR-22, however, is a red flag to insurers that you present a risk to them.
If you’ve been charged with DWI in New Hampshire, an aggressive defense from a skilled New Hampshire drunk driving defense lawyer is the best first step. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we have the legal resources and courtroom experience to fight for the best possible outcome in each DWI case we handle. To learn more, call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at (603) 614-5055.