What Impact Does a DUI Have on Your Auto Insurance Rates?

Getting a DUI is one of the most serious traffic violations an individual can incur. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can expect to face serious charges. Not only can you face criminal charges, but you may also have to pay hefty fines and even serve DUI jail time.

But there’s more to it than that: getting a DUI has long-term financial repercussions. One of the biggest hits usually comes from your auto insurance rates, which are likely to skyrocket after a DUI conviction.

Rates will vary depending on the insurer, but you can expect to see a significant increase. This is because DUIs are considered high-risk behaviors and insurers will view you as a greater risk to insure.

In this blog post, we'll discuss how much your rates could potentially increase and what steps you can take to minimize the impact.

1. Your insurance premiums will go up

DUI charges are automatically classified as high-risk by insurance companies. This means that your premiums will go up significantly – often by hundreds of dollars per year. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may be required to purchase high-risk insurance, which is much more expensive than regular insurance.

In addition to higher premiums, you may also face other consequences such as a suspended license or even jail time. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to speak with experienced DUI lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process and minimize the impact on your life.

2. You may be required to get SR-22 insurance

If you are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be required to get SR-22 insurance. SR-22 insurance is a type of high-risk insurance that is required by some states for drivers who have been convicted of DUI. The cost of SR-22 insurance can be quite high, so it's important to know what impact a DUI will have on your auto insurance rates before you get behind the wheel.

3. You may have trouble getting auto insurance in the future

A DUI can have a profound impact on your auto insurance rates. The first thing that insurance companies will look at when determining your rates is your driving record. If you're convicted of a DUI case, you may have trouble getting auto insurance in the future. Your car insurance may drop you. Other Insurance companies may refuse to cover you, or they may charge you higher rates.

4. You could lose your driver’s license

If you are convicted of a DUI, you will have to face some consequences. One of these consequences is the loss of your driver’s license. Depending on the state in which you live, this may be for a set time or it may be permanent. If it is only for a set time, you will still need to obtain SR-22 insurance before you can have your license reinstated.

5. You might have to go to traffic school

Traffic school is one of the possible impacts of a DUI case on your auto insurance rates. Depending on the severity of the offense, traffic school may be required to keep your license. If you are required to attend traffic school, your insurance company will likely be notified and your rates may increase as a result.

6. You could be facing DUI jail time

A DUI is a serious offense that can have major implications on your life, including your auto insurance rates. If a DUI lawsuit is filed against you, you could be facing jail time and drunk driving lawsuit settlements. Your auto insurance rates will likely increase after a DUI conviction, as insurers view drunk drivers as high-risk.

In some cases, your insurer may even cancel your policy altogether. If you are facing a DUI lawsuit, it is important to speak with DUI defense lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process and minimize the impact on your life.

7. You will have a criminal record

A DUI will stay on your criminal record for at least five years, and possibly longer depending on the state in which you live. This means that your auto insurance rates will be impacted for at least that long as well.

In most states, a DUI will raise your rates by an average of 30%, but this can vary depending on the insurer. Some insurers may refuse to insure you altogether if you have a DUI on your record.

8. The impact on your family

In addition to higher insurance rates, a DUI can also impact your family in other ways. If you are the primary breadwinner for your family, a DUI could prevent you from being able to drive to work or operate a vehicle for work purposes.

It could lead to financial hardship for your family as you may have difficulty finding another job that doesn't require a driver's license. A DUI can also strain relationships with your spouse or partner as they may be worried about your safety and the potential for future accidents.

How to avoid a DUI

Drunk driving is a serious offense with a number of serious penalties. If you are convicted of drunk driving, your auto insurance rates will increase significantly. You may even be dropped off by your car insurance company. To avoid any potential DUI cases, follow these tips:

• Plan and designate a sober driver before going out.

• If you've been liquoring up, don't get behind the wheel. Take a private taxi, call a friend, or use a public carrier.

• If you see someone else who appears to be drunk driving, do not hesitate to report it to the police.

• Make sure you are well-rested before driving. Drowsy driving can equally be as dangerous as drunk driving.

• Be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively to avoid potential accidents.

Conclusion

While a DUI can be an expensive and life-changing mistake, there is still hope that you can get your auto insurance rates back to normal. With some time and research, you may be able to find an insurance company that is more willing to work with drivers who have made this mistake.

However, it's important not to take DUIs lightly and understand the full consequences of engaging in risky behavior on the road. Awareness of the risks associated with driving under the influence will hopefully lead us all toward safer roads in our communities.