Based on my experience as a licensed Independent Insurance Agent here in Michigan, approximately 20 percent of drivers with a DUI will actually see their rates stay the same or go down after their DUI conviction. Thats right, I said rates can come down! The number one reason for this is many people are over paying for auto insurance and don’t even realize it. Many people are unaware that they have choices. They have not shopped around for auto insurance in years and are paying way more than they should be.

There are 2 types of insurance companies that write auto insurance in Michigan: Standard insurance companies and Non-standard insurance companies.

Standard companies tend to be the most advertised and most recognized. State Farm, Allstate, AAA, Farmers, and Nationwide are some to name a few. These standard companies treat DUI convictions the harshest. In fact, standard companies will use your DUI against you for 5 years. Some standard companies begin this 5-year period on your conviction date not the ticket date. Your policy will be surcharged 6 to 8 insurance points or a 100% surcharge will be added. This in most cases will cause your policy to be cancelled or too expensive to afford.

Michigan also has Non-Standard insurance companies also called High-Risk auto insurance companies. These companies will write auto insurance for any Michigan driver, regardless of points, as long as that driver has a valid driver license that is not suspended or revoked, restricted is OK. Alcohol convictions are used against you for only 3 years with just a 2-point surcharge. Plus, the 3 year clock begins the day you’re ticketed not your conviction date. This provides valuable time to pass, thereby reducing the overall cost you’re actually surcharged by your insurance company. For some people that time can be reduced from 3 years down to 18 months or less.

In order to avoid overpaying for auto insurance you need to shop as many non-standard or high-risk insurance companies available. These companies are available mainly through two sources 1.) Independent Agents. 2.) Direct Insurance Companies via the Internet or 800#’s.

Independent Agents: You want to find an independent agent representing as many non-standard or high-risk auto insurance companies as possible. A good independent agent with 5 or more high risk companies will provide you the best price, coverage and service options available to you. Remember, non-standard companies only use your DUI against you for 3 years with a 2-point surcharge verses standard companies that surcharge 6-8 points for 5 years. For this reason alone many people are finding affordable auto insurance rates with nonstandard insurance companies after a DUI conviction.

Examples of Michigan insurance companies offering favorable high-risk auto insurance to drivers with a DUI conviction are Progressive, GMAC, Titan, Bristol West, and Citizens Auto Connections. Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes from these Top Rated Insurance companies by Thomas A. Arce, a Licensed Michigan Independent Insurance Agent.

Direct Insurance Companies: Buying insurance direct requires you to call an 800# or go online. Shopping online is a great way to locate and compare non-standard insurance carriers in your state. However, some high-risk insurance companies are only available thought Independent Agents. It’s best to seek the help of an experienced Independent Insurance agent PLUS check rates on the Internet. But be careful! The most common mistake when buying insurance without an agent is not choosing your coverage’s properly or failing to disclose a ticket or accident. These omissions can greatly affect the final price of your auto insurance quote. Choosing the wrong coverage or leaving coverage omitted can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Also if you do choose to buy auto insurance direct on the Internet in most cases you forgo access to your own agent. You lose the availability to obtain helpful advice and insight in the event of a claim or problem with your policy. You’re left calling the 800# for advice, which can lead to them using that confidential information against you thereby affecting your policy premium or claim payout. Again, it’s best to seek the help of an experienced Independent Insurance Agent PLUS check rates on the Internet.

Click here to Shop the Internet’s Top Michigan Auto Insurance Companies.