A check of an applicant's driving record is routine for most auto insurers. If the company decides to issue a policy to a driver, the driver's record will be reviewed every three years. An applicant whose record shows a drunk driving conviction may have his or her application for coverage rejected. An insurance company that learns of a drunk driving conviction for a driver it already insures may raise the driver's premium, or even cancel the driver's policy. The cost of coverage with some companies is so high that driving may no longer be an option. Unless a person can rely on public transportation or on friends and family members, paying an exorbitant insurance premium may be the only choice. Rates should go down after a safe driving record is re-established.

If a driver's insurance company drops him or her from coverage, or if a company refuses an application for insurance, the driver will have to look elsewhere for coverage. There are some insurance companies that are willing to insure drivers who have drunk driving convictions. Some such companies actually cater to those drivers. Even with the companies that welcome drunk driving offenders, the premiums will be far higher than those the driver may have paid before the conviction. Insurance is a requirement, however, and it is reassuring to know that there are companies that are willing to take the risk involved in covering drivers whose records may be less-than-perfect, giving those drivers a chance to get a better start at building a better future.