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Does Insurance Know About an Interlock? The Unvarnished Truth

Yes, insurance companies generally do find out about an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. This knowledge stems from a variety of sources, primarily related to the legal and administrative processes surrounding a DUI/DWI conviction. Understanding how they find out and the implications is crucial.

How Insurance Companies Discover Your Interlock Device

The discovery isn’t some shadowy conspiracy. It’s a rather straightforward process driven by legal mandates and risk assessment. Here’s the lowdown:

SR-22 Filings: This is the big one. After a DUI/DWI conviction, many states require you to obtain an SR-22 form, also known as a certificate of financial responsibility. This form, filed with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent, essentially tells the state (and by extension, your insurance company) that you carry the minimum required auto insurance coverage. The requirement for an SR-22 is a giant red flag indicating a DUI/DWI conviction, strongly suggesting (if not directly stating on the form itself) the presence of an IID.
DMV Notifications: Your state’s DMV is the central hub for driving-related information. When you’re court-ordered to install an interlock device, the DMV is notified. This information is often accessible to insurance companies, especially those that proactively monitor driving records.
Policy Renewals/Changes: When you renew your insurance policy or make changes (e.g., adding a vehicle), the insurance company will often run a driving record check. This check will likely reveal the DUI/DWI conviction and, by extension, the interlock requirement.
Direct Disclosure: While less common, some individuals voluntarily inform their insurance company about the IID, perhaps hoping it will demonstrate responsible behavior and lead to lower premiums. However, this rarely works as intended.

The critical takeaway is this: Your insurance company likely will find out about your interlock device, primarily because it’s tied to your legal obligations following a DUI/DWI.

The Impact of an Interlock Device on Your Insurance

Knowing that your insurance company is likely aware of your IID, the next logical question is: How does this affect your insurance rates?

Increased Premiums: Expect to see your insurance rates skyrocket. A DUI/DWI is a major blemish on your driving record, and insurance companies view it as a significant indicator of increased risk. The interlock device, while designed to prevent drunk driving, is a constant reminder of that risk. Some insurers may even refuse to cover you altogether.
High-Risk Insurance: You may be forced to obtain insurance from a high-risk provider (also known as a non-standard insurer). These companies specialize in insuring drivers with poor records, but their premiums are significantly higher.
Limited Coverage Options: Some standard insurance companies may restrict your coverage options after a DUI/DWI. For example, you might only be able to obtain liability coverage, which only covers damages to the other party in an accident.
Duration of Impact: The higher premiums won’t last forever. However, the impact of the DUI/DWI conviction (and the associated interlock requirement) on your insurance rates can last for several years, often 3-5 years or even longer, depending on your state and insurance company.
Positive Considerations (Rare): While not guaranteed, in very rare instances, some insurers may view the proactive use of an IID as a sign of responsible behavior and offer a slightly smaller rate increase. However, this is the exception, not the rule.

Navigating the Insurance Landscape with an Interlock

Facing the reality of higher insurance premiums can be daunting. Here are some strategies to navigate the landscape:

Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies, including both standard and high-risk providers. Compare coverage options and premiums to find the best deal.
Consider Higher Deductibles: Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly premium. However, make sure you can afford to pay the higher deductible if you have an accident.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Even with the DUI/DWI on your record, avoid any further violations. A clean record demonstrates responsible driving and can help you negotiate lower premiums in the future.
Complete a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. This can be a good way to demonstrate your commitment to safe driving.
Reassess Your Coverage Needs: Evaluate your actual coverage needs. Do you really need comprehensive and collision coverage on an older vehicle? Reducing unnecessary coverage can save you money.
Be Honest: Don’t try to hide the DUI/DWI or the interlock device from your insurance company. This could lead to policy cancellation and even more serious consequences.

While an interlock device might seem like a purely legal and driving-related issue, its impact on your insurance is undeniable. Understanding the mechanisms by which insurance companies learn about the IID and proactively managing your insurance options is key to mitigating the financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interlocks and Insurance

1. Will my insurance company cancel my policy if I get an interlock device installed?

It’s unlikely your policy will be immediately canceled simply because of the interlock device. However, the underlying DUI/DWI conviction is the real concern. Many insurance companies will significantly increase your rates upon renewal or may choose not to renew your policy at all.

2. Can I get insurance with an interlock device?

Yes, you can get insurance with an interlock device. However, you may need to explore options with high-risk insurers. Standard insurance companies may be hesitant to offer coverage, or they may offer it at a significantly higher premium.

3. Does the interlock device send information to my insurance company?

No, the interlock device itself does not directly send information to your insurance company. However, the device sends data to the monitoring authority (usually the DMV or court-appointed agency), and that information is accessible by the state and, indirectly, by insurance companies through driving record checks.

4. How long will I have to pay higher insurance rates after getting an interlock device?

The duration varies by state and insurance company policy. Generally, expect to pay higher rates for 3-5 years after the DUI/DWI conviction, not just the duration of the interlock requirement. Some insurers may consider lowering rates sooner if you maintain a clean driving record and demonstrate responsible behavior.

5. Can I avoid telling my insurance company about the interlock device?

Technically, you could attempt to avoid disclosing the information. However, this is highly discouraged and could have serious consequences. Insurance companies routinely check driving records, and failing to disclose a DUI/DWI or interlock requirement could be considered fraud, leading to policy cancellation and potential legal repercussions.

6. Will my insurance rates go down after the interlock device is removed?

While the removal of the interlock device is a positive step, it doesn’t guarantee an immediate reduction in insurance rates. The DUI/DWI conviction remains on your record for several years and will continue to affect your rates until it ages off. However, your rates may gradually decrease over time as you maintain a clean driving record.

7. Does it matter what kind of car I drive with an interlock device?

Yes, the type of car can indirectly affect your insurance rates. High-value or luxury vehicles typically have higher premiums, regardless of the DUI/DWI or interlock device. Additionally, some insurance companies may be more hesitant to insure vehicles with modifications, even if the modification is a court-ordered interlock device.

8. Can I get discounts on my insurance because I have an interlock device?

It is very rare to receive discounts because you have an interlock device. Insurance companies view the interlock as a consequence of risky behavior (the DUI/DWI), not as a positive attribute.

9. What if I have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?

A DUI/DWI conviction and interlock requirement have particularly severe consequences for CDL holders. Your CDL may be suspended or revoked, and finding insurance coverage for commercial vehicles after a DUI/DWI can be extremely challenging and expensive.

10. Is it more expensive to insure a car with an interlock device?

In most cases, yes, it is more expensive to insure a car with an interlock device. This is not directly because of the device, but because the IID indicates a DUI/DWI conviction, a significant risk factor for insurance companies.

11. Can my insurance company access the data from my interlock device?

Generally, insurance companies do not have direct access to the data from your interlock device. The data is typically stored and managed by the interlock provider and the monitoring authority (DMV, court, etc.). However, as mentioned earlier, the fact of the interlock requirement is known through SR-22 filings and driving record checks.

12. What happens if I violate the interlock device requirements?

Violating the interlock device requirements (e.g., failing a breath test, tampering with the device) can lead to serious consequences, including extension of the interlock period, additional fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and potential legal penalties. It can also negatively impact your insurance rates, as it demonstrates continued risky behavior.