Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal and puts other road users at risk. It’s no wonder then that car insurance companies take a DUI conviction seriously. But how long does a DUI stay on your insurance record? Let’s find out.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or above. If caught, it could result in a DUI conviction, which can significantly impact your driving record. A DUI conviction could stay on your driving record for 5-10 years, depending on where you live. A driver convicted of DUI WILL face stiff penalties, including fines, jail time, or suspension of their driver’s license. It could also result in higher car insurance rates for the foreseeable future. And that is something you do not want, what with the rising cost of auto insurance every year.
Here’s a list of the penalties for a DUI conviction:
- Suspension or revocation of drivers license
- Jail time
- Vehicle impoundment or confiscation
- Vehicle license plate confiscation
- Ignition interlock device (IID) restrictions
- Mandatory attendance at DUI schools
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse evaluations
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse treatment programs
- House arrest
- Community service
DUI-convicted drivers can certainly expect a hike in their auto insurance rates and may have to submit an SR-22 form (or an FR-44 form if you’re living in Florida) to restore driving privileges.
Read: 8 tips to help you pass your driving test
How long does a DUI stay on my insurance record?
It’s difficult to give one-size-fits-all tips and tricks for DUI because each state treats them differently. A DUI conviction can stay on a person’s driving record for up to 10 years or more, depending on how severe the state government is. At the same time, you may face raised rates or a license suspension. If you are facing such a charge, you must educate yourself on the nuances of how your state handles such charges and convictions.
Most states in the country employ a points system to track how you drive, with points being added to your license when you commit specific driving violations, including running stop signs, driving without insurance, and, of course, a DUI. If a person has many points on their record due to having too many violations in a short period, they may risk further penalties such as having their driver’s license suspended.
Read: How do car insurance companies know about your DUI?
In addition to penalties, these points will have an impact on the cost of your insurance coverage. The insurance company will usually verify the points on your license and base the price of your car insurance policy on the number of points. You’ll pay more for insurance if you have a higher number of points as a high-risk driver.
In the event of a DUI, the state may assess points to your license, particularly if they use a point system. As you may expect, this will have an impact on your driving record. Some, however, may go above and beyond, imposing additional penalties such as high fines or license suspension. The number of points you receive on your license for each DUI varies by state.
The laws governing how long points remain on your record differ depending on where you live. In some places, the DUI will remain on your driving record for a set number of years. Others offer solutions to have points removed each year that you do not commit any traffic offenses.
Impact of a DUI on car insurance
Unfortunately, a driving record is not the same as a criminal record. The time and conditions that help or hinder the removal of a DUI are not the same. A DUI remains on your criminal record indefinitely but not on your driving record. And that’s certainly a good thing as we found that insurance rates can go up by up to 265% after a first DUI conviction, depending on your insurer and where you live.
The average cost of vehicle insurance following a DUI is $1,465 per year, which is 103% higher than the average insurance cost for someone with a clean driving record. The cost of DUI insurance is determined by the driver’s state and insurance carrier.
Drivers in Alaska, for example, see their premiums increase by an average of 50% after a DUI, whereas drivers in North Carolina pay an average of 265% more. Similarly, while Erie Insurance boosts premiums by an average of 71% after a DUI, Progressive only raises rates by an average of 7%.
Drivers convicted of DUI may have a more difficult time finding cheap car insurance. Those who do are covered by DUI insurance. DUI insurance may be marketed as an accessible and affordable option for high-risk drivers by insurance carriers specializing in insuring high-risk drivers, such as those convicted of a DUI.
Many new insurance companies offer this type of coverage to help drivers get back on the road and back to their lives, so check around for the best rates. Or, tap the banner below to obtain the best car insurance quotes for free in under 10 minutes!
How to find affordable car insurance after a DUI
After a DUI, your car insurance provider will consider you a high-risk driver. Your premium will almost definitely rise, and your carrier may even drop you. This makes finding car insurance, let alone affordable ones, quite tricky. Here are a few tips that could help you get started:
1. Start researching ASAP
Begin your search for affordable car insurance as soon as possible. Since your insurance company could drop you, you should begin looking for other car insurance firms as soon as possible following a DUI. Don’t forget to obtain multiple insurance quotes from several car insurance companies. We can guarantee it will help you find the best car insurance rates in your state.
2. Disclose your DUI status
If you compare car insurance quotes right away, an insurance company may be unaware of your recent DUI. Hence, you’ll need to submit any recent driving offenses, including DUIs, to get the most accurate rate.
3. Make use of insurance comparison tools
Your premium will be affected by factors such as where you live, your age, and your credit score. However, you could download the Way.com app and get free car insurance quotes in under 10 minutes to weigh your options.
4. Shop again after a few years
Your DUI cannot affect your car insurance rates forever. Maintain a clean driving record and avoid any further convictions like speeding tickets to keep your car insurance bill low.
5. Consider non-owner car insurance
You can get non-owner auto insurance and still meet your state’s liability insurance requirements. This is a great option if you don’t own a car but occasionally drive someone else’s vehicle. In an at-fault accident, liability insurance pays for the harm you cause to another person or their motor vehicle.
What to do if you are denied insurance after a DUI?
If you have a valid driver’s license but are denied insurance after a DUI, your state government can assist you. Each state has a program that provides drivers with a last-resort form of liability insurance, allowing them to drive again legally.
These “assigned risk” policies are typically more expensive than other options and only offer liability insurance. So, before turning to your state’s program, make sure you shop around.
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