You can still purchase motorcycle insurance easily when a DUI is on your driving record. The trick is to find the policy that meets your state’s regulations while staying within your budget.
Some states also require you to prove that you have insurance after a DUI.
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Since a DUI or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction creates a new high-risk status, it’s not unusual for costs to rise by hundreds of dollars each month. You might need to file an SR-22 to regain your license and prove insurability.
It might also be called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. It’s typically required for three to five years after a DUI conviction.
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Can I Ride a Motorcycle After a DUI Conviction?
If you have a suspended or revoked driver’s license, you may be prohibited from operating any type of motor vehicle, including a motorcycle. It’s essential to review the terms of your conviction and any restrictions placed on your license with a qualified attorney or your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In some cases, you may be eligible to obtain a restricted license, allowing you to drive to and from work, school, or other essential purposes. This option might be restricted to automobiles, which would exclude motorcycle use.
Once you are cleared to drive, you will likely need SR-22 motorcycle insurance to operate your bike legally. The specific requirements depend on the terms of your condition and the rules where you live, so it helps to speak with a qualified agent or broker when seeking coverage.
If you fail to maintain SR-22 motorcycle insurance, your driver’s license could be suspended until you obtain coverage.
How Do I File for SR-22 Insurance in My State?
Riders who need SR-22 insurance receive notification from the state’s department of motor vehicles or a judge in a courtroom of this status.
Most insurance companies file the certificate on your behalf. If your provider doesn’t support high-risk riders, switch to a different insurer.
The coverage amount needed for your SR-22 insurance is highly variable. That decision is based on how much you ride, what you can afford, and what your state says is necessary for you to be operating on the road legally.
Here are some options to review when considering SR-22 motorcycle insurance after a DUI.
| Bodily Injury Liability | This coverage is legally required in most states after a DUI. It covers the cost of injuries you cause to someone else during an incident or accident. |
| Collision | You receive coverage for damage to the motorcycle in an accident with this option. |
| Comprehensive | With this insurance, you have coverage for damage to your bike for causes other than a collision, ranging from vandalism to a falling object. |
| Loan or Lease Gap | This coverage kicks in to cover the remainder of a lease or loan when a total loss occurs. |
| Motorcycle Equipment | If you have custom equipment for your motorcycles, such as extra chrome or saddlebags, this policy provides replacement or repair options. |
| Property Damage Liability | This basic coverage covers the damage you and your bike cause to another person’s vehicle or property. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | If you are involved in an incident with another driver or rider with no or minimal insurance, this coverage pays for the damage caused. |
Can I Clear the SR-22 Motorcycle Insurance Requirement Early?
If you must have an SR-22 filing for a specific period, it may be possible to clear the requirement early in some cases. This outcome will depend on the particular laws and regulations in your state, as well as the terms of your certificate filing.
In some cases, you may be required to provide proof of continuous motorcycle insurance coverage for a specific time or may need to complete a defensive driving course and other requirements. Additionally, you must pay any outstanding fines or fees associated with the offense that led to the SR-22 condition.
How Can I Save Money with SR-22 Motorcycle Insurance?
As with any other insurance option, shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers is essential. This work helps you find affordable coverage that meets your SR-22 needs.
If you carry full coverage, consider riding with a higher deductible. This option helps lower your premiums but raises how much you’ll pay out of pocket if you’re at fault in an accident. You might consider riding with a liability-only policy if you’re not paying a loan off on the motorcycle.
Completing a defensive driving course can help you qualify for lower insurance premiums in some states. Some insurers might offer an option to bundle policies to help you save even more.
Some insurers provide a discount if you complete a sober driver program.
You might invest in a breathalyzer, increase security, or switch to a less powerful motorcycle until the DUI comes off your record.
Insurers typically have the right to raise policy costs for at least three years after a DUI conviction.
Although you can’t stop that increase, you can take a few steps to limit your costs. In return, you’ll find SR-22 motorcycle insurance can be affordable when you stay proactive and request quotes from multiple providers.
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