If you have been convicted of a DWI or DUI charge, you probably know just how costly these mistakes can be. From court costs to fees, fines and everything in-between, drinking and driving certainly isn't cheap.

One additional cost is the impact that your recent conviction will have on your insurance rates. You can expect your insurance company to consider you as a high-risk driver, which can affect your premiums for three years and can cause you to pay $1,000 to $1,500 more for your auto insurance each year. Your state DMV might also require you to purchase SR22 insurance, which can be even more expensive.

Here are a few ways that you can save money on insurance after a DWI conviction. Follow these tips, and you can help lessen the burden as much as possible.

1. Look for a DWI-Friendly Insurance Company

Some insurance companies are more DWI-friendly than others. The bigger companies, for example, often charge higher rates for those who have DUI and DWI convictions. If you look for a company that is accustomed to working with DWI offenders, however, you might find that the agents are more understanding and that the rates are more affordable. Look for companies that specialize in SR22 insurance for the best deal.

2. Take a Driving Class

Taking a defensive driving class will help show your insurance company that you are committed to being a safer driver. Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who take these classes. You can contact your local DMV to find out more about defensive driving classes that are offered in your area; many are offered at technical colleges and community colleges throughout the country.

3. Be a Safer Driver

A speeding ticket or accident can always make your insurance rates go up, but they can cause even more of an impact if you already have a DWI on your record. Make an effort to drive as safely as possible, and avoid getting any type of ticket; even a seatbelt ticket can cause your rates to go up in many states. By being a safer driver, you can save money on insurance and help keep yourself and others safer when you are on the road.

You can expect for your insurance rates to go up after your DWI conviction, but this doesn't mean that there aren't ways to cut costs. If you follow these three tips, you can keep your insurance at more manageable levels for your three-year high-risk driver classification period. For more information on SR22 insurance, visit sites like http://www.greatnortherninsuranceagency.com/.

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