Getting Charged With DUI and And Your Car Insurance Rate

Reader’s Question:

My friend told me that a sobriety DUI ticket can greatly affect my auto insurance. Is that true?

Grisom

Aurora, Colorado

 

Yes, a sobriety ticket will affect your auto insurance, how greatly will depend with your insurance company.

Your insurance rate will probably rise significantly if you will be convicted of the absolute sobriety violation. We are not sure how much but it will depend on the rating system of your insurance provider. In some cases it will double or triple the amount you are paying especially if it’s for an alcohol offense. It will also depend upon the gravity of your violation. It is also possible that your auto insurance be canceled because most insurance companies find this offense serious. Some insurance companies will increase your premium for a number of years or simply not allow you to renew your insurance policy. This is primarily because you have a higher risk to get into an accident as to a driver who never got cited for this kind of violation.

Different states will have their own laws and rules regarding drunk driving. In Wisconsin, each person under 21 should maintain absolute sobriety while driving, be it a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. There will be penalties if you refuse to submit if an officer demands you to take a blood test, urine test, breath test or any other test that will determine the alcohol content in your body. This may lead to license suspension or license revocation. Some convictions may also lead to monetary fines.

Insurance rates are affected as well for a minimum of three years if you are cited for underage drinking that involves a motor vehicle. Also in Wisconsin, a law prohibits a person below 21 to possess or consume alcohol.

Insurance companies consider drinking while operating a motor vehicle a serious offense especially if you were cited. This will mean that you have a higher risk and with that come a higher rate in your insurance policy.