How DUIs Affect Auto Insurance Rates

A DUI or driving under the influence charge is one of the most serious driving violations a driver can be charged with.

Not only does it come with a hefty ticket, but in many states jail time is mandatory. There are other costly consequences that come along, like having your car towed away, impounded and time off work. If you have a driving job, like a truck driver, you can get permanently fired from your job. This can mean putting your career in jeopardy and severe financial harm. There are other costs that go up after a DUI, like car insurance premiums. Let’s take a closer look how DUIs affect auto insurance rates.

A DUI means you are operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated

This serious charge is not only alcohol related. A motorist that is driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medication, can also be charged. There are numerous prescriptions that can have the same effects as alcohol and should not be taken while driving. In many states, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08%. Anything higher than that and you can be cited.

One organization that has had a big impact on drunk driving laws for over 37 years is “MADD.” This stands for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. In the past few years, the organization has been trying to standardize the legal BAC (blood alcohol content) to .08% in every state. They have also advocated for longer jail sentences and harsher financial punishment for violators.

If you get Convicted You Will Lose Your Drivers License Privilege
For first time offenders in most states, their driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year. This can cause huge difficulties for those who rely on their automobile license for work. This includes so many jobs like UPS drivers, pizza delivery workers and so on. This year ban can send many people into a financial tailspin, but that’s not the only issue. Once the year is up, you can expect your auto insurance premiums to surge. That doesn’t mean a 20% or 30% rate hike. You can expect your rates to go up between 100% to 500%! This is if you are lucky enough to get covered. Many companies in recent years have refused to cover anyone who has been convicted of intoxicated driving.

If you are trying to get insured after a DUI, you need to do your homework. Check out online sites like Rodney D Young and comparison shop at least 10 rates. Comparing quotes is all the more important for this group of motorist because your rates will already be high and you need to save all you can. Find companies that specialize in giving drivers a second chance and have fair pricing for high risk clients.

You may be Required to Get an SR-22

To get legally insured in many states you will need an SR-22. This is simply a form that shows proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 state that the motorist has bought the legal liability amount of coverage for their state and has filed the required paperwork. Many carriers that provide high risk coverage will also assist you in filing for an SR-22, often online, making the process faster and less confusing.

How Long DUIs stay on Your Record
Many financial analysts calculate that an average DUI costs about $10,000. This includes bail costs, towing, lawyer fees, time off work and increased car ins costs. While bail and towing is hopefully a one time charge, your cost of insuring your vehicle is going to go up $1,000 to over $5,000 per year, for several years. This begs the question, when will the charge be expunged?  This answer depends on what state you live in. It can range from 3 to 7 years before it’s off your record. That means you could be paying $30,000 or more, over those 7 years, in extra insurance premiums. It just does not pay to drive while under the influence.

Now that you know how DUIs affect car insurance rates, it’s time to get your premiums down. With direct pricing from companies like RodneyDYoung, you can lower your bill in less than 6 minutes. Get your custom free quote and see the savings for yourself.