Is there an insurance penalty for a DUI?
Pretty much the #1 rule when getting behind the wheel off a car, do not drive if you have been drinking. Not only do you put yourself at risk, but you also put everyone else on the road in great danger. For those that do make the choice to drive while intoxicated, it should come as no surprise that there are major consequences. Drinking and driving is extremely selfish and dangerous, and it only make sense that the consequences are severe. Not only can you be charged with a wide array of offences, resulting in anything from a fine and demerit points, to jail time, but you will also have to face your insurance company. Not to mention if your choice to drink and drive severely injures someone, or ends their life, you have to live with knowing what you did for the rest of your life.
Point blank: yes
There is no beating around the bush about it, having a DUI on your record is going to have a significant impact on your insurance policy. Think about how much your insurance can rise from just a normal at-fault accident, now (depending on your provider) triple that. Your insurer wants to assume the least amount of risk possible when taking you on as a customer, and if you have been changed with a DUI you come with an extremely high amount of risk.
Some insurers just point blank won’t insure those with DUIs, and those that do raise the cost of premiums significantly. Making it hard for you as a driver to find the coverage you need to continue driving. A DUI will stay on your driving record for three year, meaning you will have three years of expensive premiums ahead of you.
Finding insurance with a DUI
If you have a DUI under your belt, you’ll find that it may be hard for you to find sufficient coverage, and as noted above, if you do find coverage your premiums are bound to skyrocket in price. Here are some tips to help you find the coverage you need, and maybe even save a bit in other areas.
Shop around –Since getting sufficient auto insurance with a DUI can be tricky; your best bet would be to shop around. As mentioned, there are insurers out there who wouldn’t take on someone with a DUI, but there are some out there that cater to those who are considered “hard to insurer”. Shopping around online will help you find the best auto insurance coverage for your needs, and at the best price.
Look for other discounts – While there is no getting around the fact that you will be paying more for auto insurance with a DUI on your record, there may be some discounts that you could utilize to help make up a bit of the added cost. Be sure to speak with your insurer and ask if there are any discounts you can get in other areas; for example snow tires, loyalty, bundling, automatic payment, credit check, etc.
Be honest –If you have a DUI, be honest with your insurance company, don’t neglect to share the truth with them to try and save money. A DUI is not a fact you can hide from your insurer, they will find out sooner rather than later as it is a criminal offence. So, it is the best policy to be upfront and honest, failure to do so would certainly void your policy, and make it even harder to find coverage.
Don’t drink and drive
From all of us here at HUB Insurance Hunter, be sure to stay safe out there on the roads, and don’t drink and drive. Today’s technology has made it easier than ever to ensure you can arrive alive. Hail a cab, or log onto your smartphone and order an Uber or Lyft. Call a family member or friend to come get you. If you are going out, be sure to have a plan of action to get home. Don’t let a Friday night decision ruin your or someone else’s life, be smart and keep away from the wheel of a car after drinking.