Accidents happen and people can make bad judgment calls in a split second that could have some major consequences. One of those is getting a DUI. No one should ever get behind the wheel when they have been drinking, but if they do end up with a DUI, then you cannot stop living life. In fact, you still have plenty of places you will need to drive to. From the grocery store to work, driving is a part of being an adult. Unfortunately, many insurance companies may cancel your insurance policy after receiving a DUI, forcing you to start shopping for a new policy. To make the process easier for you, here are some tips to help you score great auto insurance. 

Your Insurance Coverage Will Be Higher

There is one thing for certain when it comes to auto insurance. Getting a DUI will definitely affect the amount you pay. In fact, you can expect to pay around $800 more a year in premiums after getting a DUI. Every insurance company is different in regards to how long they will punish you with increased premiums. If you feel that your insurance coverage is too high, you should compare rates by calling several different insurance companies to get a quote. Some companies will not charge you as much for a first-time offense. 

Find Out the Laws Surrounding Your DUI

In many states, you will be required to file for SR-22 insurance after receiving a DUI. This is also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. The purpose of SR-22 insurance is to show that you are maintaining liability coverage for your car. You will need to contact your insurance company to file an SR-22 form. You can expect to pay between $15 to $25 to file this form. The amount of time you need to carry SR-22 insurance depends on the state you filed it in. 

Be Proactive with Your Insurance Carrier. 

Your insurance carrier is going to find out about your DUI sooner or later. Your best bet is to be proactive by calling them right away and discussing it with them. Should they decide to cancel your coverage anyways, it will allow you a jump start to find a new policy. Since not all insurance companies will be willing to work with you, this may take some time and effort. There are certain insurance companies who focus solely on high-risk drivers. While you can expect to pay more for insurance, it is easy to get insured with these companies. 

For more information, visit websites like http://www.greatnortherninsuranceagency.com.