I recently talked with an old friend of mine who had a run in with the law. Because I used to sell insurance he like everyone else asked me how much it would raise his rates. He told me that he went to a holiday party and had a few drinks then drove home. On the way home he was pulled over for speeding and the police officer asked him if he had been drinking. His first thought was to say no but he didn't know what he should do so he said he only had two drinks. Well he ended up getting a ticket for driving under the influence and now is trying to figure out what his mistake will cost him.

If this story sounds familiar it is a very common occurrence especially around the holidays. People go to parties to say hi and have a drink or two then drives home. It can happen to anyone including the chairman of Coors brewing who was issued a drunken driving ticket in 2006. Now the question becomes how much it will cost me. The bad news is that your insurance will increase but the good news is it doesn't have to break the bank.

In most states you will be required to file an SR22 form with the state the violation occurred in. This state will require you carry minimum liability limits for the duration of the mandate. An SR22 form is nothing more than an addition to your auto insurance which shows financial responsibility to the state. If the policy is cancelled the state will be notified. It is a small fee to add this form to your policy but the big change is when your insurance company rates you for having a DUI on your license. There are ways to keep your rates lower.

Only carry liability coverage on the vehicle

If you only carry liability coverage you can save hundreds of dollars per year until your SR22 is no longer required. You may have a car which is financed and the bank requires full coverage, so sell that car and get one you don't have to carry comprehensive or collision coverage on. I know you want that nice new car but you made a mistake and that may be the price you pay.

Get non-owner auto insurance if you don't own a vehicle

Non-owner auto insurance is available if you don't own a specific vehicle but still drive and need insurance. This is just a liability only policy which will cover you in any vehicle you drive. You can also add the SR22 filing to this policy so your state requirements are met.

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