If you have a DUI then how will it affect your car insurance rates? Can your auto insurance policy be canceled because of DUI or DWI? Is there such a thing as DUI car insurance or DWI car insurance? Read on to learn all of the ins and outs of DUI auto insurance and then be sure to do the proper research and enter your zip code in for a free car insurance quote comparison.

There are many circumstances that negatively or positively affect the cost and availability of auto insurance. Being aware of what affects your auto insurance rates and coverage is one way to make sure you are getting the best deal that you can as well as saving money. However, some circumstances not only affect your car insurance but can have devastating affects on your life and the lives of others.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will affect your auto insurance rates, and is dangerous, illegal, and can even be deadly. If you receive a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, there may be legal fines, jail time, or other court mandated consequences as well as the affects to your auto insurance. If have already been charged with a DUI, here is what that means and how it will affect your auto insurance.

What is a DUI charge?

All 50 states have strict DUI laws. In some states it is referred to as a DWI, Driving While Intoxicated, while the two can be used to refer to different levels of intoxication. In this case a DWI indicates a higher level of intoxication. Anyone who operates a motorized vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs is in danger of receiving a DUI. When a law enforcement officer notices signs of intoxication while driving such as erratic driving, or visible signs of drinking in the vehicle, they may perform a traffic stop.

If signs continue during the traffic stop such as a smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or other odd behaviors, the officer can perform a field sobriety test. If a driver fails this test, the officer can perform a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test. This is where states will differ. In many states .08% BAC is considered intoxicated while other states have even lower percentages. Percentages may be significantly lower, at .02%, for those under the legal drinking age.

What are the legal ramifications of a DUI charge?

Before worrying about how a DUI affects your auto insurance, the legal ramifications should be noted. Again, this will vary from state to state, judge to judge, if others were injured or killed because of your DUI, or if you have previous DUI charges. Legal consequences include fines, jail time, lose of license for a year, lose of license for life, and court-ordered rehabilitation.

For a first time offense with no damage or injury caused, full driving rights may eventually be restored, if your record stays clean. For those repeat offenders, full driving rights may never be restored. Fines can ruin your financial picture as well. Some states fine those convicted of a DUI up to $24,000. Regardless of legal ramifications, driving while intoxicated is never a good idea. It is dangerous and can be deadly.

What are the affects of a DUI on auto insurance?

Having a DUI on your record automatically classifies you as a high risk driver. Being a high risk driver means that the insurance company is taking a high risk by insuring you. It means that the risk of you causing an accident or needing to file a claim because of your actions is high. The higher the risk the higher the cost of insurance. Other types of high risk drivers are teenagers, those with multiple accidents, and those who have driven without insurance.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, insurance is still available, but finding a company may be more difficult. A DUI will stay on your record for at least 3 years or more depending on the state you receive your DUI in. This means that for three years you will be considered a high risk driver even if you have no other incidents. You will have to carry a SR22 insurance policy. A SR22 policy is especially for those with a DUI charge. In many cases, your insurance rates will triple or go even higher after a DUI charge is added to your record.

Many insurance companies will not insure someone with a DUI charge so finding a company may take some research. Be sure to let your insurance company know if you received a DUI charge right away. If they find out through the state, they may cancel your insurance without notice. There are insurance companies that specialize in DUI coverage, but some big name companies may offer coverage as well.

The easiest way to find a company is to compare rates online using our online comparison tool. You can see rates and policy information side by side so that you can determine how much your insurance coverage will be. Comparison tools allow you to input your information  and receive quotes and rates from several companies. Enter your zip to start now!