Getting a DUI is a life changing experience. The punishment for getting caught drinking and driving is steep and severe, not only resulting in the loss of your ability to drive legally, but also costing you a lot of money. You will be responsible for fines and legal and/or court costs, along with costs for any damages or injuries you cause.
When you finally clear up all the issues that come along with a DUI and you are ready to get car insurance again, you will then find another roadblock. This is because to car insurance companies you are now considered a high risk. Car insurance premiums usually go up more than 75% after a DUI conviction.
How Does a DUI Effect Your Car Insurance?
What does this mean for you? Well, it will likely mean hundreds of dollars more in car insurance costs for you. Insurance companies base their rates on risk. And, the primary goal of any insurance company is to decide how much risk they are willing to take with you. DUIs cost insurance companies’ tons of money each year in property damage, bodily injury and death benefits.
However, there are many factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates. Some of the major factors that affect your premiums are:
Driving History – Although you may have a DUI on your record, the effects could be mitigated by an otherwise stellar driving history. Be aware, however, that some companies do not allow driver’s who have been convicted of a DUI to be eligible for safe driver or good driver discounts.
Type of Car – The type of car you drive has a big effect on your rates. If you are being hit with high rates because of a DUI, you may want to consider driving a car that is cheaper to insure, at least for the short term.
Location – Where you live also has a fairly big effect on your monthly premiums. Areas that have high theft of vandalism rates are going to be reflected in your bill. If you have the option to move, you should compare rates and see how much you could save.
What’s the Best Way to Save on Car Insurance After a DUI?
By far the best way to know you are getting the best rates is to compare quotes. Shopping around for insurance coverage and comparing quotes from many different companies is the trick to finding affordable auto insurance coverage after you’ve been convicted of a DUI.
It may take a little work, but InsuranceWins can help. Just use our simple form to start receiving quotes from auto insurance companies you know, and start finding the best insurance options for your situation.
