A DUI charge can be debilitating. It can take away your ability to work, can cost tons of money, and can even come with jail time.
You’ve got a lot on your mind. So, your auto insurance is likely the last thing you’re thinking about. But your DUI will also greatly affect your auto insurance premium. Just like an auto accident, a DUI can cause rates to spike.
Want to learn more?
Keep reading to find out how a DUI charge will affect your auto insurance premium.
The Effects of a DUI on Your Auto Insurance Premium
How to Handle the Charges
Once you’ve received a DUI charge, points will be added to your license.
Your first step is to admit fault and consult your insurance company. Be open and honest with them and explain the situation. The more detail and honesty provided, the quicker you can get it over with.
Yes, you’re going to have to pay more for your auto insurance premium. It’s important that you own up to the consequences and give your provider all the details needed.
A Driver With a DUI is Seen as High-Risk
The first thing to consider is how your auto insurance provider will view your claim. A DUI isn’t dissimilar to an auto accident in the eyes of your provider.
You’ll be marked as a liability, and your rates will go up accordingly. We’ll get into the specifics in a bit. For now, let’s just focus on why.
At the most basic level, every customer is a bit of a gamble for an insurance provider. Every customer is seen as a liability to some degree, based on their driving record. The safer, more stable a driver’s record is the lower their rates.
But the antithesis is true as well.
As you may imagine, a DUI charge makes you far more of a liability than your sober counterparts. Accordingly, you’re now seen as a high-risk driver.
This means that an insurance company will take more of a risk in covering you. Most states require that you fill out an SR-22, which admits fault and financial liability.
Your Rate Increase Will Depend on Your State and Provider
Where and when you get your DUI also has a pretty substantial impact on the increase of your rates. Each state has different qualifications and conditions that determine fines and insurance hikes.
At a more micro level, the same can be said of your insurance provider. It’s hard to state just how much your rates will go up, as they vary by your provider as well.
Consult your provider to see just how much more you’ll end up paying.
What Can You Expect to Pay?
While the specifics depend on a few factors, here are some things you can certainly expect:
- Your insurance will rise, at minimum, around 10% or as much as 50%
- You’ll end up spending thousands more per year with a DUI on your record
- Your provider may drop you entirely. This also means that finding a new insurance provider will be substantially tougher
Your best bet is to play it safe. If you choose to imbibe, be smart and get a ride home. If you end up with a DUI on your record, consult Amistad Insurance immediately.
Our goal is to provide you with great service at an affordable price.
