Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance company arrest record access, department of motor vehicles, arrest record

Question
I just read that some insurance companies will raise your rates for just being arrested for a DUI or Hit and Run even if there's no conviction. That doesn't sound right, but if it is so, how do they get this information?  Thank you for your time and expertise.

Answer
Hi Lois,
Every insurance company secures your driving record from the department of motor vehicles when the first write your policy and then again every year about 90 days before your renewal date.
This record only shows involvement in accidents and actual convictions for traffic violations.
They have absolutely no way of securing arrest records, and even if they did, no company would ever increase your rate unless there was an actual conviction.
Whatever you read is just a bad rumor with no fact.
I hope this sets your mind at ease.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 12-07-07 11:55 PM PST